Jean Paul Riopelle (Canadian, 1923-2002)

Folâtre, 1957

Signed lower right "Riopelle"
23 1/2 x 28 1/2 inches

Folâtre is defined in englsih as meaning: frisky, playful; coltish, frolicsome

Provenance: Jane Kahan Gallery;
Purchased by the present owner from above, 1992

Literature: Michel Waldberg, Yseult Riopelle, Monique Brunet-Weinmann, François Odermatt (Editor), Jean Paul Riopelle : catalogue raisonné, Montreal : Hibou Éditeurs, 1999, Cat No. 1957-059, illustrated

Riopelle was a member of the group Les Automatistes (founded by Montreal artist Paul-Emile Bourduas, the group was influenced by Surrealism and its theory of automatism). This movement was seen as the beginning of Canadian Modern Art. Many of this group worked in Paris and New York. In Paris in the early 1950s he was known as the "Wild Canadian", not only because of his exuberant artistic style, but also because of his lifestyle. In the 1960s-80, he had a relationship with Joan Mitchell, who had a great influence on his work.

Affiliated with the post war modernists, he created works of heavy impasto and quite often squeezed paint directly from the tube onto the canvas. In the 50s and 60s, he frequently used a palette knife; this work Foltare is emblematic of that which is considered his best period.
"

Estimate: $80,000-120,000

Property of a Long Island Collector
Purchased from the above by the present owner

This work does not appear to have ever been restored. The canvas is on its original stretcher. The very heavy and elaborate paint layer seems to have acquired a dirt layer, particularly on the upper faces of the heavy applications of paint. There are a few areas that have developed some cracks. The deep cadmium yellow in the center of the left side has cracked. There are other cracks in the lower center and lower right quadrant. All of these should be consolidated, but can be easily and safely done. As far as actual paint loss is concern, there are none apparent, except for possibly a small chip in the lower center. The condition is actually particularly good. It is recommended that the painting be lightly and carefully cleaned. It is also recommended that the paint layer be consolidated to ensure that no losses occur in the future. However, cracks in a picture like this are certainly not a deterrent and are almost unavoidable. -Simon Parkers, May 2012