† Andre Cottavoz
(French, 1922-2012)
"Poivrons et Tomates", 1967
oil on board
signed lower right, and signed, titled and dated en verso.
Gallery frame.
9-1/2" x 16-1/4", framed 10-1/2" x 17-1/4"
Provenance: Galerie Renee LaPorte, Antibes, France, 1967; Estate of Thomas B. Lemann, New Orleans, Louisiana.

Andre Cottavoz was a "Sanzist" artist, a term used by its proponents to express their opposition to any labels. Favoring light all anything else, they made their debut in 1948 in Lyon, but it was the Ecole des Beaux Arts in Paris that became the movement's leading supporter.

Andre Cottavoz, inspired by Vincent Van Gogh, sculpted his paintings with a palette, layering, mixing and kneading the paints either with a tool or hand. It was ultimately Chaim Soutine that would have the most profound influence on the artist. As with Soutine, Cottavoz's dense paintings teeter on the edge of representation and abstraction. According to Carole Pinto Fine Art: "His seemingly chaotic brushstrokes create expressive pictorial surfaces that transform mundane subject matter into paintings that excite and provoke the eye."

In estate condition. Loose from framework. Some abrading along edges including small losses to corners. Surface soiling. Water staining verso not visible from front. New Orleans Auction Galleries is pleased to issue and opinion of any lot; the absence of a condition report does not indicate that a lot is perfect condition or free from damage and/or wear.  Please understand that New Orleans Auction Galleries employs no professional conservators. All statements in any condition report, or statements taken verbally, are purely our best opinions, and not blanket statements of fact issued by this auction house.  Prospective buyers should examine each lot so as to satisfy themselves concerning condition, genuineness, importance, age, etc. Regardless of any statements made in writing or verbally, all lots are sold strictly "As Is" in accordance with section 2 of our Conditions of Sale.  No returns will be accepted on the basis of condition.