Joseph John Paul Meert (American/Belgian, 1905–1989)

LOT ID: 66430

Untitled, 1950

Oil, on Canvas

24.75 х 37 х 1 in. cm.

Signed, and dated 1950, lower right.

Lot description

With a vivid palette and dynamic sculptural forms, this signed oil on canvas painting exquisitely captures the expressionistic style of renowned artist JOSEPH MEERT (1905-1989). This mid century piece is a significant work as it marks the transition from the artist's period of geometric abstraction in the 1940s to more lyrical abstraction and expressionism of the 1950s.

Born in Brussels, Belgium , JOSEPH MEERT(1905-1989) emigrated to the U.S. at the age of five. He studied at the Kansas City Art Institute, where he became a protege of Thomas Hart Benton. Meert later taught at the Institute from 1935 to 1941. During the 1930s he was a WPA (Works Progress Administration) artist, and, like many of his contemporaries, he would go on to become an abstract painter.

Meert became a mentor, teacher and close friend to Jackson Pollock, and in fact is known as the artist who famously saved Jackson Pollock's life. However, unlike other former WPA artists who would see success in their own lifetimes - like Jackson Pollock, Philip Guston, Adolph Gottlieb and Mark Rothko, Meert struggled financially throughout his life. Only posthumously has Meert's important role in the development and history of abstract expressionism been acknowledged, as there as been renewed critical and marketplace interest in this fine artist's life and work.

Framed, the work measures 24.75 by 37 inches.

Select Public Collections:
Smithsonian American Art Museum (Washington, DC)
Art Institute of Chicago (Chicago, IL)
Indianapolis Museum of Art (Indianapolis, MN)

Literature and Catalogue Raisoneé
Literature and Catalogue Raisoneé
History and Provenance
History and Provenance
Provenance:
Private Collection, USA
Shipping Information
Shipping Information
Shipping Carrier:
UPS, USPS, Pick-up, NYC delivery

Shipping Weight: 37 lbs

Framing: Yes (0 x 0 inches)

Item Location: New York, USA

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Christina Warner

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New York

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Lot ID

66430

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Joseph John Paul Meert

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Joseph John Paul Meert (American/Belgian, 1905–1989)

LOT ID: 66430

Untitled, 1950

CONFIRMATION

Christina Warner

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