Splitting The Century, Part 2
You Should Own Art, Edition 18
Hi there, and welcome back. This edition is the second part in a series devoted to art in the early to mid-twentieth century. To recap:
In the last century a general movement away from figurative art and towards abstraction resulted in a severe schism. The situation advanced to the point where it became difficult for Western European and American art students to even learn the techniques of representational art. I thought it would be fun to gather a set of works, both abstract and representational, from this period and see what the result would be.
The last edition focused on abstract works, so in this one we’re looking at the representational side of things. As you’ll see, the divide is not as always as neat as we might think.
“Recumbent on 11th st.”
Julien Alberts, 1930-1939
Lithograph, hand-signed, 16 × 22.5 inches
USD$750
A lot of the work I encountered centered on social themes. Then, as perhaps always, the social ferment produced artwork that reflected the conditions of humanity at that time. So, maybe this isn’t the most uplifting subject, but this is such a great specimen of the style of this kind of work during this time. You can see the influence of someone like Diego Rivera in how the figure is rendered.
You can buy this work here.
"Senecio"
Paul Klee, 1940s
First Edition Lithograph
9.5 x 11.9 inches
USD$359
I choose this because it blurs the line between what we think of as “Figurative” and as “Abstract”. And those colors! I’d love to see this in person.
You can buy this work here.
"And He Said"
Kyra Markham, 1943
Lithograph, Edition of 50, 12 1/8 x 9 3/4 inches
USD$900
This is not the great image of this work, but I just love the drawing style. It transports me to this time and place. I found Kyra’s work when I ran into this image, which is just incredible, but a bit outside the Y.S.O.A. price range.
You can buy this work here.
“Many Faces”
Artist unknown
Watercolor on masonite
16ʺW × 0.25ʺD × 12ʺH
USD$405
I love unfinished artist’s sketches about as much as I do finished works. I really love to see the hand at work. This un-finished-ness leaves it as ghostly and ambiguous. It would be endlessly interesting to look at over years.
You can buy this work here.
“Nude With Cubist Sculpture”
Artist unknown, 1929
Charcoal on Paper, 18.75 x 24.75 inches
USD$1,500
This is a little expensive, but shoot! What an image and artifact from its time. The influence of Picasso is pretty direct, but this was made more less contemporaneously to what was the cutting edge of art. I also think it’s really beautiful.
You can buy this work here.
“Colored Candles”
Atanasio Soldati, 1950’s
Pencil on paper, 12 3/5 × 8 7/10 inches
GBP£750
Here’s another work of sketches. I love to be able to see the artist’s mind at work as they develop their idea. I chose this because it reminds me of the work of Giorgio Morandi who’s meditative and severe work has inspired several generations of artists.
You can buy this work here.
“Shoulders”
Peter Passuntino, 1960s
Ink and ink wash on paper, 9 x 6.5 inches
USD$350
Dark, foreboding, somewhat bleak and haphazard. I love it.
You can buy this work here.
“Vanity Scene”
Jerry Opper, 1940-50s
Stone Lithograph on paper, 18 x 15 inches
USD$385
This calls to mind the films of the Eames Office, the art direction of Mary Blair, and architectural renderings. It pulls together so much, and like other works in this edition, draws on the language of abstraction to create something with real presence.
You can buy this work here.
“The Love”
Mino Maccari, Mid-20th century
Original Woodcut, 9.06 x 10.24 inches
USD$288.71
I love a good, old woodcut. And these colors - love them.
You can buy this work here.
“American Modernist Cityscape”
Artist unknown, 1930
Oil on canvas, 22 x 26 inches
USD$995
Another artifact of the time. This recalls the aesthetics of the WPA works and gives a whiff of embedded social commentary. I love the simplicity of the geometry and the thoughtfulness of the composition and framing. It’s weird, dark, and . . .hopeful?
You can buy this work here.
I hope you enjoyed “Splitting the Century”. It was a ton of fun falling down the many, many rabbit holes filled with artwork that I encountered. And, if you did enjoy it, kindly share You Should Own Art with your friends. They’re cool, art-loving people too.