6. From the workshop's window [1957]

The present work is part of the cityscape cycle, palely colored, which enjoys the hustle and bustle of human typologies. The landscape falls within the interest of Corneliu Baba from the outset, through works such as "Promenade", "Caransebeș Station" or "On the banks of Teiuș", which date from the '20s-'30s. Thus, we can trace both the artist's wanderings in foreign lands and his stops through the cities or villages in Romania. Corneliu Baba sets the architectural space as a landmark and then focuses his attention on prominent shapes and volumes, highlighted mainly in shades of gray or orange. In the present work, the artist captures a winter landscape, where the vegetation-free trunks of the trees and the roofs decorated in shades of white, characteristic of the cold season, are unmistakably distinguished. The pale hues and swift brushstrokes betray the artist's attitude towards the motif. An external observation point, most likely located on one of the upper floors of the building, gives the artist an overview of the street unfolding its turmoil right beneath his window. Thus, we have the chance to observe the people passing by on sidewalks and streets, as well as the small carriage making its way through the winter cold. In his diaries, the artist asserts, not infrequently, that he has in view the resumption of various pictorial motifs for adding or underlining certain elements. In this case, Baba adopts a dark palette and highlights, with his specific vocation, the grandeur of architectural element and the boundless force of nature.

References

Maria Muscalu Albani, "Corneliu Baba", The Cultural Institute Publishing House, Bucharest, 2008. Paul Shushara, "Corneliu Baba", Official Monitor Publishing House, Bucharest, 2013.

Dimensions

width 38 cm, height 67 cm

Description

Ink and gouache on paper glued onto cardboard, signed and dated lower right, in pencil, "Baba, (19)57"

Dating

1957

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

For clarifications regarding the bidding procedure, hammer price costs, guarantee, payment, and collection terms for the winning lot, we recommend carefully reading/re-reading the Bidding Regulations.

For additional information regarding the lot and the auction, please contact the Art Consultants Department.