Pierre Soulages - Untitled
Pierre Soulages
Untitled
1951
Walnut stain on card on canvas. 68 x 50 cm. Framed under glass. Signed 'Soulages'. - Traces of studio and minor traces of age.
Known as the “painter of black,” he develops a technique that he calls Outrenoir—or “beyond black.” For Soulages, it is not solely about color; it is also about the reflective qualities of black, about the play of light on the black surface.
The presemt work created 1951, can be seen as a precursor to his later Outrenoir paintings. Over time, black takes on an increasingly dominant role in his work, eventually eliminating almost all trace of the underlying surface.
In this work, we encounter another material of particular significance to Soulages: walnut stain. This natural pigment, derived from walnut husks, produces a rich, earthy brown. He begins using it in his works on paper for its warmth, fluidity, and capacity for subtle tonal variations. Its application also reflects his deep interest in materiality and texture, often working the surface with unconventional tools such as spoons, small rakes, and rubber implements.
Although associated with the post-war abstract movement, Soulages’ approach differed from his contemporaries. While others emphasized gesture and spontaneity, his work is more deliberate and meditative.
Certificate
The present work is registered in the archives of the artist. With accompanying photo-certificate from Colette Soulages, Sète, dated 14.04.2025.
Provenance
Private collection, North Rhine-Westphalia
% from the market value
Estimate
Time, Location
Auction House
Pierre Soulages
Untitled
1951
Walnut stain on card on canvas. 68 x 50 cm. Framed under glass. Signed 'Soulages'. - Traces of studio and minor traces of age.
Known as the “painter of black,” he develops a technique that he calls Outrenoir—or “beyond black.” For Soulages, it is not solely about color; it is also about the reflective qualities of black, about the play of light on the black surface.
The presemt work created 1951, can be seen as a precursor to his later Outrenoir paintings. Over time, black takes on an increasingly dominant role in his work, eventually eliminating almost all trace of the underlying surface.
In this work, we encounter another material of particular significance to Soulages: walnut stain. This natural pigment, derived from walnut husks, produces a rich, earthy brown. He begins using it in his works on paper for its warmth, fluidity, and capacity for subtle tonal variations. Its application also reflects his deep interest in materiality and texture, often working the surface with unconventional tools such as spoons, small rakes, and rubber implements.
Although associated with the post-war abstract movement, Soulages’ approach differed from his contemporaries. While others emphasized gesture and spontaneity, his work is more deliberate and meditative.
Certificate
The present work is registered in the archives of the artist. With accompanying photo-certificate from Colette Soulages, Sète, dated 14.04.2025.
Provenance
Private collection, North Rhine-Westphalia
% from the market value
Estimate
Time, Location
Auction House
