description
The abstract, spontaneous, expressive, and free-spirited style that came to characterise the international CoBrA movement is epitomised in Karel Appel’s figurative compositions.
Appel was a full member and co-founder of the artist movement, which in 1948 in a small Parisian café was given the name CoBrA. The aesthetic program was clear and above discussion; the idiom was to be reborn and given an innocent, almost childish expression.
Karel Appel’s international breakthrough takes place in 1953, a few years after his CoBrA adventure, when his work is shown at the São Paulo Biennale. Solo exhibitions will follow in New York and Paris. The artist becomes successful and receives recognition from museums, at international art presentations and manifestations. This is a very early work by the artist, when he was only 20 years of age. It shows his proficiency early on before he would eventually create his own style and found the CoBrA movement. A unique work that helps paint a picture of Karrel Appel’s talent and early development.
Provenance:
Pieter de Dood, Amsterdam, thence by descent.
Collectie Mariska Alberts van Smirren, Amsterdam.
Kunsthandel Rueb, Amsterdam.
Private collection, The Netherlands 1999.
Adams Amsterdam
Douwes Fine Art, 2024
Appel was a full member and co-founder of the artist movement, which in 1948 in a small Parisian café was given the name CoBrA. The aesthetic program was clear and above discussion; the idiom was to be reborn and given an innocent, almost childish expression.
Karel Appel’s international breakthrough takes place in 1953, a few years after his CoBrA adventure, when his work is shown at the São Paulo Biennale. Solo exhibitions will follow in New York and Paris. The artist becomes successful and receives recognition from museums, at international art presentations and manifestations. This is a very early work by the artist, when he was only 20 years of age. It shows his proficiency early on before he would eventually create his own style and found the CoBrA movement. A unique work that helps paint a picture of Karrel Appel’s talent and early development.
Provenance:
Pieter de Dood, Amsterdam, thence by descent.
Collectie Mariska Alberts van Smirren, Amsterdam.
Kunsthandel Rueb, Amsterdam.
Private collection, The Netherlands 1999.
Adams Amsterdam
Douwes Fine Art, 2024
Karel Appel (Amsterdam 1921 - Zurich 2006)
“Prinseneiland, Amsterdam, 1941”
Contact
Douwes Fine Art