Ponti Art Gallery is interested in buying and selling works
of art by this artist.
Hans Hartung Biography
Hans Hartung, born on September 21, 1904, in Leipzig, Germany, emerged as a pivotal figure in the 20th-century art world, renowned for his contributions to abstract art. His journey from a young artist in Germany to a celebrated figure in France encapsulates a life of artistic innovation, personal struggle, and profound influence on the abstract movement.
Hartung's early life was steeped in an environment rich with artistic and intellectual stimulation. Born into a family of doctors, he was exposed to paintings and music from a young age, fostering a deep appreciation for the arts. His fascination with the natural world, particularly the dynamic patterns of lightning, would later inform his abstract compositions. Despite initially pursuing studies in philosophy and art history at Leipzig University, Hartung's passion for painting led him to abandon his academic pursuits in favor of art schools in Dresden, Leipzig, and Munich.
The transformative period of the late 1920s and early 1930s saw Hartung immersing himself in the avant-garde circles of Paris, where he encountered the works of influential artists such as Wassily Kandinsky, Alexander Calder, Joan Miró, and Piet Mondrian. This exposure played a crucial role in shaping his abstract vision. Hartung's marriage to Norwegian painter Anna-Eva Bergman in 1929 marked the beginning of a lifelong partnership that would deeply influence his artistic direction.
The rise of Nazism in Germany and the outbreak of World War II profoundly impacted Hartung's life and work. His vehement opposition to the Nazi regime and his service with the French Foreign Legion underscored his commitment to freedom and justice, themes that resonated in his abstract expressions. The war years were a time of great personal hardship for Hartung, including a severe injury that led to the amputation of his right leg and his internment in a Spanish concentration camp. Despite these challenges, Hartung's resolve to create never wavered.
Post-war Europe provided a fertile ground for Hartung's artistic evolution. His gestural abstractions, characterized by dynamic linear motifs and calligraphic brushstrokes, gained recognition for their emotional intensity and innovative approach. Hartung's work from this period reflects a deep engagement with the materiality of painting, exploring the possibilities of various tools and techniques to create his signature marks.
The 1950s and 1960s marked the height of Hartung's international acclaim, with numerous exhibitions across Europe, the United States, and beyond. His innovative use of tools such as metal combs, rakes, and air-spray guns in the creation of his works positioned him as a leading figure in the Tachisme movement, the European counterpart to American Abstract Expressionism. Hartung's exploration of "universal energies" through his art resonated with a generation of artists seeking new modes of expression.
In the later years of his life, despite physical limitations, Hartung's creative spirit remained undiminished. A series of large-scale canvases produced in the 1980s, known as the "sulfateuse" paintings, showcased an even more frenetic energy, as Hartung sought to capture the essence of movement and transformation. His passing on December 7, 1989, in Antibes, France, marked the end of an era but also the beginning of a lasting legacy.
Hans Hartung's contributions to abstract art cannot be overstated. His relentless pursuit of new forms of expression, his resilience in the face of adversity, and his profound impact on subsequent generations of artists cement his place as a towering figure in the history of modern art. Hartung's work continues to inspire and challenge, a testament to the enduring power of his artistic vision.
Hans Hartung 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.
If you wish to purchase works by the painter: Contact us
and let us know your request. We will inform you about the
available works. We also offer the possibility to
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informed at the beginning of each month about the latest
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