Bidding on this item has ended.
William Scott
COMPOSITION (1959)
Lot 10
Price Realised:
€17,000
Estimate:
€10,000 - €15,000
William Scott CBE RA, 1913-1989
COMPOSITION (1959)
Gouache, 10 3/4" x 15" (27.5 x 38cm), signed. Archive no. 2038
Provenance: Galerie Charles Lienhard, Zurich, (label verso); Private Collection, Switzerland (by descent to the previous owner).
... Read more
Lot 10
William Scott
COMPOSITION (1959)
COMPOSITION (1959)
Gouache, 10 3/4" x 15" (27.5 x 38cm), signed. Archive no. 2038
Provenance: Galerie Charles Lienhard, Zurich, (label verso); Private Collection, Switzerland (by descent to the previous owner).
... Read more
Lot 10
William Scott
COMPOSITION (1959)
Estimate:
€10,000 - €15,000
William Scott CBE RA, 1913-1989
COMPOSITION (1959)
Gouache, 10 3/4" x 15" (27.5 x 38cm), signed. Archive no. 2038
Provenance: Galerie Charles Lienhard, Zurich, (label verso); Private Collection, Switzerland (by descent to the previous owner).
Exhibited: Probably Galerie Charles Lienhard, Zurich, Accrochage, August 1961; Possibly Kestner-Gesellschaft Hannover William Scott Exhibition, 1960.
Literature: This work is registered in the William Scott Archive as number 2038.
William Scott, one of the few Irish artists who is recognised and collected internationally, was influenced by Abstract Expressionism but was constantly drawn back to European-based figuration, focussing on simple still life subjects. The swings from figuration to complete abstraction were part and parcel of his work. The period from 1958-1962 is characterised by very sensuous painterly abstractions with rich surfaces, their subjects having only the most tenuous links to the observed world. One can see this in Composition, where pared down shapes float on a watery ground.
Scott's paintings are all about creating visual tension that activates the picture surface. In this one, he cleverly plays with 'positive' and 'negative' so that on the left, a white rectangle reads as a solid positive shape surrounded by a blue background (negative space). Scott imperceptibly shifts this, so that on the right we read the bold blue solid shape as positive, surrounded by a white (negative) background. We may not even notice this visual device, nor are we meant to. The whole point is to create a visual dialogue between elements that animates a simple composition, infusing it with visual tension. The result is a bold and dramatic work that inexplicably holds our attention. A bonus in this piece is the predominance of a rich, deep blue, a shade which is associated with Scott's most sought after pieces.
Dr Frances Ruane HRHA
October 2021
COMPOSITION (1959)
Gouache, 10 3/4" x 15" (27.5 x 38cm), signed. Archive no. 2038
Provenance: Galerie Charles Lienhard, Zurich, (label verso); Private Collection, Switzerland (by descent to the previous owner).
Exhibited: Probably Galerie Charles Lienhard, Zurich, Accrochage, August 1961; Possibly Kestner-Gesellschaft Hannover William Scott Exhibition, 1960.
Literature: This work is registered in the William Scott Archive as number 2038.
William Scott, one of the few Irish artists who is recognised and collected internationally, was influenced by Abstract Expressionism but was constantly drawn back to European-based figuration, focussing on simple still life subjects. The swings from figuration to complete abstraction were part and parcel of his work. The period from 1958-1962 is characterised by very sensuous painterly abstractions with rich surfaces, their subjects having only the most tenuous links to the observed world. One can see this in Composition, where pared down shapes float on a watery ground.
Scott's paintings are all about creating visual tension that activates the picture surface. In this one, he cleverly plays with 'positive' and 'negative' so that on the left, a white rectangle reads as a solid positive shape surrounded by a blue background (negative space). Scott imperceptibly shifts this, so that on the right we read the bold blue solid shape as positive, surrounded by a white (negative) background. We may not even notice this visual device, nor are we meant to. The whole point is to create a visual dialogue between elements that animates a simple composition, infusing it with visual tension. The result is a bold and dramatic work that inexplicably holds our attention. A bonus in this piece is the predominance of a rich, deep blue, a shade which is associated with Scott's most sought after pieces.
Dr Frances Ruane HRHA
October 2021
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All maximum bids are confidential and not disclosed. The system will endeavor to purchase the lot for you for the least price. Bids are subject to buyer’s premium of 25% (incl vat), with no additional charges.
In the event of a tied bid, the preference will be given to the bid submitted first. The second bidder will receive immediate notification of being outbid.
PLEASE BID EARLY TO AVOID DISAPPOINTMENT.
In order to allow rival bidders the opportunity to respond to a late bid the following extensions will apply:
IF A BID IS RECEIVED WITHIN THE FINAL 45 SECONDS OF THE COUNTDOWN THE CLOCK WILL RESET TO 60 SECONDS.
At any point you can leave a maximum bid, representing the highest price you are prepared to pay for a particular lot. Bidding only advances when there is competition from a rival bidder. In that case the system bids on your behalf, only up to the maximum if required. All bids are relayed to you be email, along with notification if you have been outbid.
All maximum bids are confidential and not disclosed. The system will endeavor to purchase the lot for you for the least price. Bids are subject to buyer’s premium of 25% (incl vat), with no additional charges.
In the event of a tied bid, the preference will be given to the bid submitted first. The second bidder will receive immediate notification of being outbid.
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