Sale: 437 / Post War I, Dec. 10. 2016 in Munich Lot 845

 

845
Max Bill
Harmonie 1:2:3, 1960.
Oil on canvas
Estimate:
€ 30,000 / $ 32,400
Sold:
€ 42,500 / $ 45,900

(incl. surcharge)
Harmonie 1:2:3. 1960.
Oil on canvas.
Verso signed and dated. Once more signed and dated, as well as titled, inscribed and with an arrow indicating the direction on the stretcher. 46.5 x 46.5 cm (18.3 x 18.3 in).
[JS].

We are grateful to Dr. Jakob Bill, max, binia + jakob bill foundation, Adligenswil, Switzerland, for the kind support in cataloging this lot.

PROVENANCE: Private collection Nothern Germany (in family possession since the 1960s).

As an acclaimed representative of Concrete Art, Max Bill's work is entirely focused on the composition of colors and geometrical forms. Despite the complete abdication of any representational references, he pursued a clearly defined goal: "It has been proven that artworks have an influence on people. What I strive for is that the picture has a positive influence on the observer through its colors, atmosphere and composition " (quote after: Max Bill. Neue Werke, ex. cat. Marlborough Galerie, Zurich1972, no p.). Bill unfolds the reduced presence of this early work from the wedged color fields in red, green and blue. While the dynamic red occupies the upper half of the canvas and plays the leading role, the calmer colors green and blue form the optical basis. This way Bill manages to create the unique tension that is so characteristic of his art.



845
Max Bill
Harmonie 1:2:3, 1960.
Oil on canvas
Estimate:
€ 30,000 / $ 32,400
Sold:
€ 42,500 / $ 45,900

(incl. surcharge)