Bidding on this item has ended.
William Scott
STILL LIFE
Lot 41
Price Realised:
€15,000
Estimate:
€15,000 - €20,000
William Scott CBE, RA, 1913-1989
STILL LIFE
Watercolour and gouache, 11" x 14 3/4" (28 x 37.5cm), signed.
Provenance: Archeus Fine Art, London (label verso).
William Scott, one of the few Irish artists who is recognised and collected ...
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Lot 41
William Scott
STILL LIFE
Lot 41
William Scott
STILL LIFE
Estimate:
€15,000 - €20,000
William Scott CBE, RA, 1913-1989
STILL LIFE
Watercolour and gouache, 11" x 14 3/4" (28 x 37.5cm), signed.
Provenance: Archeus Fine Art, London (label verso).
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, focusing on simple still life subjects. The swings from figuration to complete abstraction were part and parcel of his work.
The period from 1958-1962, from which Still Life probably dates, is characterised by very sensuous painterly abstractions with rich surfaces, their subjects having only the most tenuous links to the observed world. This is a bold and dramatic work in which pared down shapes float on a dense watery background. The composition is built around a visual 'dialogue' between two shapes, each pulling your eye outwards in opposite directions. Although the shape on the right is more insubstantial than its opponent on the left, it holds its own because of the brilliant intensity of the blue line that defines it. In fact, the blue would dominate except for the artist's clever introduction of orange tones on the extreme left.
Scott's paintings, like this one, are about creating visual tension that activates the picture surface. The 'conversation' in Still Life is animated, with a carefully calibrated visual push and pull between left and right.
Dr Frances Ruane HRHA, June 2020
STILL LIFE
Watercolour and gouache, 11" x 14 3/4" (28 x 37.5cm), signed.
Provenance: Archeus Fine Art, London (label verso).
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, focusing on simple still life subjects. The swings from figuration to complete abstraction were part and parcel of his work.
The period from 1958-1962, from which Still Life probably dates, is characterised by very sensuous painterly abstractions with rich surfaces, their subjects having only the most tenuous links to the observed world. This is a bold and dramatic work in which pared down shapes float on a dense watery background. The composition is built around a visual 'dialogue' between two shapes, each pulling your eye outwards in opposite directions. Although the shape on the right is more insubstantial than its opponent on the left, it holds its own because of the brilliant intensity of the blue line that defines it. In fact, the blue would dominate except for the artist's clever introduction of orange tones on the extreme left.
Scott's paintings, like this one, are about creating visual tension that activates the picture surface. The 'conversation' in Still Life is animated, with a carefully calibrated visual push and pull between left and right.
Dr Frances Ruane HRHA, June 2020
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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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