76. Apple blind [1925-1930]

The photos of the lot are informative and indicative, and cannot provide a highly detailed view of the object from all angles. We recommend a careful physical inspection of the lot before bidding.

76. Apple blind [1925-1930]

Nicolae Tonitza

1886, Bârlad - 1940, Bucureşti

Estimate:

EUR 15.000 - 25.000

Sold

EUR 17.000

References

ȘORBAN, Raoul, "Nicolae Tonitza", Meridiane Publishing House, Bucharest, 1965.

ulei pe carton, 32.5 x 49.5 cm, signed upper left, in black, "N. Tonitza"

"When you reproduce nature - you are its slave. When you represent it - you dominate it" the artist would declare. The sap of his inspiration could be identified even from working in the midst of nature. In Vălenii de Munte, he had a vegetable garden near his home and a plum orchard that served as a memorable playground for the children. The study expeditions organized with his students to Durau, were also effective in taking over themes that would expose their fruits later. Laid on the white plate, the fruits here represent a comprehensive chromatic exercise, that starts from ruby red and solar yellow and proceeds to the vast expanse of white bearing the weight of fruits on top. The charm of light inclusions in fruit pigment, compositional symmetry, spatial effects and the balance the work exudes contribute to the triumphant handling of the genre by the artist. He approaches still nature quite rarely, so we find a limited number of such works in his creation. Some of them have been included over time in reputable collections (Iosif Dona or Maria Avramescu), while others have participated in the main artistic events dedicated to the painter. "Still Life with Jug and Apples", exhibited at his 1964 retrospective, addresses a similar subject, with a striking chromatic palette, like the one at hand. We note another "Still Life with Apples and Pipe" but also other works where traditional ceramic vessels, vegetables or fruits line up on the surface of the canvas or cardboard. We identify more clearly vases with flowers or floral panels, so the still lifes similar to this one become unique appearances.

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