Serge Poliakoff *
(Moskow 1906–1969 Paris)
Composition abstraite, 1964, signed Serge Poliakoff, gouache on paper, 24.5 x 32.5 cm, framed
Provenance:
Galerie Française, Munich
Private Collection, Austria (acquired from the above)
thence by descent
Literature:
A. Poliakoff, Serge Poliakoff, Catalogue raisonné, vol. IV, 1963–1965,
Munich 2011, no. 64 -253 with ill.
“Poliakoff is an architect. His paintings are built on a solid framework based on a secret geometry of colour. Then we have the profound variations that animate the pictures. On the surface there appears to be no movement but there is massive activity in depth. His work is like the vast expanse of the ocean; ever similar, but endowed with great mystery, great drama and savage appeal. Like the sea, a Poliakoff painting is endlessly breathtaking, providing a perfect equilibrium between surface and depth, between the thrill of the spray and the orgiastic energy of the great depths where imponderables founder. Poliakoff dwells in the world of colour, he occupies it totally and is its sovereign ruler. He knows every inch of his domain and is able to exploit its riches fully, so that nothing is left to chance in his work. His understanding of colour rejects all waste. Two or three colours are quite sufficient to produce a masterpiece; a lesson taught by all the great masters.”
François Pluchart
Specialist: Mag. Patricia Pálffy
(Moskow 1906–1969 Paris)
Composition abstraite, 1964, signed Serge Poliakoff, gouache on paper, 24.5 x 32.5 cm, framed
Provenance:
Galerie Française, Munich
Private Collection, Austria (acquired from the above)
thence by descent
Literature:
A. Poliakoff, Serge Poliakoff, Catalogue raisonné, vol. IV, 1963–1965,
Munich 2011, no. 64 -253 with ill.
“Poliakoff is an architect. His paintings are built on a solid framework based on a secret geometry of colour. Then we have the profound variations that animate the pictures. On the surface there appears to be no movement but there is massive activity in depth. His work is like the vast expanse of the ocean; ever similar, but endowed with great mystery, great drama and savage appeal. Like the sea, a Poliakoff painting is endlessly breathtaking, providing a perfect equilibrium between surface and depth, between the thrill of the spray and the orgiastic energy of the great depths where imponderables founder. Poliakoff dwells in the world of colour, he occupies it totally and is its sovereign ruler. He knows every inch of his domain and is able to exploit its riches fully, so that nothing is left to chance in his work. His understanding of colour rejects all waste. Two or three colours are quite sufficient to produce a masterpiece; a lesson taught by all the great masters.”
François Pluchart
Specialist: Mag. Patricia Pálffy
