This lot consists of a mixed media sculpture in the style of the De Stijl school, an artistic movement that was active in the Netherlands from 1917 to 1931. The underside of this colorful piece features multiple handwritten inscriptions and signatures, including the carefully painted words, "DE STIJL", in all-capital letters. This vibrant statuette appears to be acrylic-painted canvas stretched over wood. Playful angles and structural elements conjoin to exemplify all the ahead-of-its-time modernity that is De Stijl. This unique piece stands about 18" tall, with a top that is approximately 8" in diameter and a base with a diameter of approximately 6".

A paper label affixed to the underside of the sculpture reads, "Collection of Joan F. Seifter". Seifter was a prominent New York City collector of fine art.


De Stijl, also known as Neoplasticism, was primarily concerned with the reduction of images to bare essentials of shape and color. Van Doesburg also served as editor of the De Stijl journal, which recorded and furthered the group's theories. Great artists like Piet Mondrian, J.J.P. Oud, and Gino Severini fell into the orbit of De Stijl, lending life and form to its extreme lines. Their leader, Theo van Doesburg, was a restless talent and a prepossessing character with an incredible story and many surviving works that continue to add to the legend of the man and his singular vision.

Said Mondrian, "I construct lines and color combinations on a flat surface, in order to express general beauty with the utmost awareness. Nature (or, that which I see) inspires me, puts me, as with any painter, in an emotional state so that an urge comes about to make something, but I want to come as close as possible to the truth and abstract everything from that, until I reach the foundation (still just an external foundation!) of things..."

PROVENANCE:
Private Collection from Upstate New York

DIMENSIONS:
Overall approx. 18" x 8".



Finger Lakes Auction has been commissioned to liquidate a once-in-a-lifetime fine art collection from an Upstate New York Estate. Pieces contained in this auction are some of the finest paintings ever to be offered through our Art Gallery.

PLEASE NOTE: Lots that do not carry established documented provenance nor any past auction record are described in this catalog as "in the style of". Authentication has not been established nor is it implied. Definition of "in the style of" is as follows:

"In the style of" [Artist Name] : The work may be ascribed to the artist on the basis of style, but there may be some question as to actual authorship.

Overall good condition. Some evidence of wear can be noted at the edges of this piece, but the colors remain vibrant and rich. Please see photos for further detail.