Johannes Rian (Norwegian, 1891-1981) Akt, 1948
Johannes Rian (Norwegian, 1891-1981)
Akt, 1948
signed and dated 'J Rian.48' (lower right)
oil on canvas
81.5 x 55.5cm (32 1/16 x 21 7/8in).
Footnotes:
Provenance
Anon. sale, Bukowskis, Oslo, 12 October 1989, lot 101.
Although Johannes Rian came to painting relatively late in life, he developed one of the most distinctive artistic voices in twentieth-century Norwegian art, combining the structural clarity of French Modernism with a deeply personal response to colour and form. Born in Overhalla, Trøndelag, into a farming family, Rian spent much of his early adulthood working on the family farm before deciding to pursue a career as an artist. In 1927 he moved to Oslo to study at the Norwegian National Academy of Fine Arts, where he trained under Axel Revold. Revold, who had himself been profoundly influenced by Henri Matisse and contemporary French painting, introduced Rian to the expressive possibilities of colour and composition. Matisse's influence would remain a defining force throughout Rian's career, shaping the vibrant palette, flattened forms, and decorative rhythms that characterise his work.
Rian exhibited regularly at Kunstnerforbundet in Oslo between 1930 and 1957, earning recognition for paintings distinguished by their luminous colour harmonies and confident compositions. His reputation continued to grow throughout the post-war period, and during the 1960s he exhibited primarily at Galleri Haaken in Oslo while also representing Norway internationally, including at the São Paulo Biennial in 1967. Today, he is widely recognised in Norway, with The Norwegian Museum of Contemporary Art holding eight of his paintings in their collection.
This lot is subject to the following lot symbols: AR
AR Goods subject to Artists Resale Right Additional Premium.
For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com
Condition
The canvas is unlined and provides a good stable support. There is some minor wear to the framing edges. Examination under UV reveals some areas of fluorescence around the frame edges.
Johannes Rian (Norwegian, 1891-1981)
Akt, 1948
signed and dated 'J Rian.48' (lower right)
oil on canvas
81.5 x 55.5cm (32 1/16 x 21 7/8in).
Footnotes:
Provenance
Anon. sale, Bukowskis, Oslo, 12 October 1989, lot 101.
Although Johannes Rian came to painting relatively late in life, he developed one of the most distinctive artistic voices in twentieth-century Norwegian art, combining the structural clarity of French Modernism with a deeply personal response to colour and form. Born in Overhalla, Trøndelag, into a farming family, Rian spent much of his early adulthood working on the family farm before deciding to pursue a career as an artist. In 1927 he moved to Oslo to study at the Norwegian National Academy of Fine Arts, where he trained under Axel Revold. Revold, who had himself been profoundly influenced by Henri Matisse and contemporary French painting, introduced Rian to the expressive possibilities of colour and composition. Matisse's influence would remain a defining force throughout Rian's career, shaping the vibrant palette, flattened forms, and decorative rhythms that characterise his work.
Rian exhibited regularly at Kunstnerforbundet in Oslo between 1930 and 1957, earning recognition for paintings distinguished by their luminous colour harmonies and confident compositions. His reputation continued to grow throughout the post-war period, and during the 1960s he exhibited primarily at Galleri Haaken in Oslo while also representing Norway internationally, including at the São Paulo Biennial in 1967. Today, he is widely recognised in Norway, with The Norwegian Museum of Contemporary Art holding eight of his paintings in their collection.
This lot is subject to the following lot symbols: AR
AR Goods subject to Artists Resale Right Additional Premium.
For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com
Condition
The canvas is unlined and provides a good stable support. There is some minor wear to the framing edges. Examination under UV reveals some areas of fluorescence around the frame edges.
