Lot  107 Ravenel Spring Auction 2024 Taipei

Ravenel Spring Auction 2024 Taipei

Éleusia

Georges MATHIEU (French, 1921 - 2012)

1970年代

Oil on canvas

73 x 92 cm

Estimate

TWD 2,000,000-3,000,000

HKD 491,000-737,000

USD 63,000-94,400

CNY 456,000-683,000

Sold Price

TWD 2,160,000

HKD 521,739

USD 66,667

CNY 484,305


Signature

Signed lower right Mathieu
Titled stretcher bar ELEUSIA
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ILLUSTRATED
Hommage à Mathieu, Galerie Élégance, Taipei, 2006, color illustrated, p. 65

This lot is accompanied by a certificate of authenticity issued by Galerie Élégance, Taipei, and a certificate signed by the artist.


+ OVERVIEW

In the wave of post-war abstraction, the "father of lyrical abstraction" Georges Mathieu undoubtedly stood as the most inspirational and talented pioneer. He expressed the theory of lyrical abstraction by using a more intuitive, primitive method to advocate the liberation of abstract art from geometric concepts while presenting it in a whole new style. In addition to demonstrating the evolution of abstract symbols and graphics in the language of eastern calligraphy. In 2019, the article, "Composing Grand Epics with Rapid - Georges Mathieu, The Father of Lyrical Abstraction", in the Art and Investment column of Ravenel Quarterly No. 27 pointed to George Mathieu's role as a master of French contemporary art. Compared to artists from his time, such as Chu Teh-Chun, Zao Wou-Ki, Hans Hartung, and Pierre Soulages, however, Mathieu's key role in history was not directly reflected in the market value of his works. Hence, the predicted growth of his work has attracted global market attention.

Mathieu was also praised by André Malraux, France's culture minister, who said, ''finally, there is a Western calligrapher!'' Soichi Tominaga (1902-1980) the late director of Japan’s National Museum of Western Art also praised Mathieu as ''the greatest French painter since Picasso''. American critic Clement Greenberg, after seeing the Kootz Gallery in New York, also called Mathieu ''the most important European painter.” Black, white, or red monochromatic backgrounds were commonly utilized by Georges Mathieu in his early days. The vibrant monochromic backgrounds revealed the simple symbolic rhythm of liberty. Mathieu’s later works tended to be brighter and more varied. His style after the 1970s was especially imposing with an extraordinary flair. In the 1907s, Mathieu focused heavily on the dynamical balance on canvas, materializing combinations of color blocks in the center of canvases.

The artwork "Éleusia" is a captivating piece brimming with cohesion and energy, showcasing Mathieu's artistic vocabulary. The brushstrokes are bold and free, with a central symbolically abstract structure resembling mysterious signals left by the cosmos, radiating outward in a burst of lines. The muted black background of the painting contrasts sharply with the densely layered colors, expressing Mathieu's passion and strength with unparalleled depth. The intense consciousness of the artist instantly pours into the virtual space symbolized by the canvas, filled with passion and musicality. Viewers may unconsciously follow the path of the artist's brushstrokes, attempting to mimic the artist's creative process as they engage with the artwork.


Related Info

Modern & Contemporary Art

Ravenel Spring Auction 2024 Taipei

Sunday, June 2, 2024, 2:00pm