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Nicolas De-Stael Biography
Nicolas de Staël, born Nikolai Vladimirovich Stael von Holstein on January 5, 1914, in Saint Petersburg, Russia, was a French painter of Russian origin renowned for his thick impasto technique and highly abstract landscape painting. His work, which also included collage, illustration, and textiles, spanned a brief but intensely creative period from the early 1940s until his tragic death in 1955. De Staël's artistic journey is a testament to his relentless pursuit of a unique visual language that oscillated between abstraction and figuration, leaving a lasting impact on the post-war European art scene.
The Russian Revolution of 1917 forced de Staël's aristocratic family to flee Russia, eventually settling in Brussels, where he was raised by a Russian family following the death of his parents. In Brussels, de Staël began his formal art education at the Académie Royale des Beaux-Arts in 1932. His early years were marked by extensive travel throughout Europe and North Africa, which played a crucial role in shaping his artistic vision. During these travels, particularly his time in Morocco, de Staël was deeply influenced by the light and color of the Mediterranean landscape, elements that would become central to his later work.
De Staël's early career in Paris was characterized by financial hardship and struggle. Despite these challenges, he continued to develop his art, drawing inspiration from a wide range of sources, including the works of Cézanne, Matisse, Picasso, and the Dutch masters. His early work was marked by a figurative approach, but by the 1940s, he began to move towards abstraction. This shift was influenced by his encounters with key figures in the Parisian art scene, including Georges Braque and Jean Arp, as well as his exposure to the work of the Russian painter André Lanskoy.
The post-war period marked a significant turning point in de Staël's career. His work began to gain recognition, and he started to establish a distinctive style characterized by bold, abstract compositions and a rich palette. De Staël's paintings from this period are notable for their thick layers of paint applied with a palette knife, creating a textured surface that adds depth and intensity to his abstract landscapes.
Despite his success, de Staël struggled with personal issues, including depression and the pressures of his growing fame. In 1953, seeking solitude and a new environment, he moved to Antibes in the south of France. It was here, facing the Mediterranean, that he produced some of his most celebrated works, including the "Parc des Princes" series inspired by a football match he attended in Paris. These paintings are characterized by their vibrant color and dynamic composition, reflecting de Staël's ongoing fascination with the interplay of light and form.
Tragically, Nicolas de Staël's life and career were cut short when he died by suicide on March 16, 1955, at the age of 41. His death marked the end of a prolific career that, despite its brevity, had a profound impact on the development of modern art. De Staël's work continues to be celebrated for its innovative approach to abstraction, its emotional depth, and its unique blend of European and Russian artistic traditions. Today, his paintings are held in major collections worldwide, including the Museum of Modern Art in New York, the Tate Modern in London, and the Centre Pompidou in Paris, testament to his enduring legacy as one of the most important and original artists of the 20th century.
Nicolas De-Stael Quotes and
Sales of Works
Ponti Art Gallery selects and deals with paintings by the
artist. Upon request, we provide free estimates and
evaluations, communicate prices, quotations, and current
market values.
If you are interested in BUYING or SELLING works by the
artist, contact us immediately.
If you wish to sell or receive an evaluation of the
works:
Send us a frontal photo of the painting, one of the back,
and one of the signature. Also, indicate the dimensions of
the work. Inform us about the purchase origin of the work
and any kind of available documentation (purchase
receipts, certificates of authenticity, publications). One
of our operators will respond to you on the same day. We
guarantee maximum confidentiality and extreme
professionalism.
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