Marcel Burtin: The Polo 5

Pastel 50X65 cm approximately (excluding frame) signed bottom right. Rare subject that was declined by Marcel Burtin in a progressive simplification of forms until a virtual abstraction. Here, this somewhat old work, circa 1950, is still very figurative and animated. The sheet has a fold trace and a small tear at the top left. Frame old painted faux-wood a little rugged. Marcel BURTIN was born in 1902 in Gafsa in Tunisia of French parents. Engaged in the navy at 17, he sold his first canvas at 25 years old. In 1932, he met Edouard PIGNON, who would be the friend of a lifetime and who would present him to many artists, including Matisse, Leger and Picasso, who certainly influenced him, but who, through their crossed eyes, helped him To develop a style that will evolve throughout his career, tending gradually to decline scenes and landscapes in an increasingly abstract stylization. Exploring each theme with numerous preparatory studies and installation drawings with many variations, a memory of Denise René's 1945 exhibition where, under the leadership of André Lhote, the young artists presented "L'histoire d'un tableau "With the path that had culminated in it. A magician of color, he began experimenting with ceramics in 1952, transcribing his most beautiful paintings in enamelled or painted clay. Passionate about sport, he made it one of his recurring themes, including hockey, polo, cycling, and horse racing. When in 1956 the City of Mexico organized an exhibition of Contemporary French Art, it is part of it in the company of Leger and Picasso and the best contemporaries! A regular exhibitor of the Salon de Mai, it is present in the collections of the main European museums (Museum of Modern Art, Royal Museums of Belgium, Luxembourg Museum, etc.). He died in 1979, leaving an abundant and sought after work of collectors who appreciate the resolutely modern side, especially of his drawings. The series we present comes from the artist's studio and as such may have some dirt, sometimes stains or traces of folds, they are roughly mounted under protective mat for their handling. Look at the photos. More photos and many more objects in our shops and on our website: galerielhoste.com.