Ponti Art Gallery is interested in buying and selling works
of art by this artist.
Georges Mathieu Biography
Georges Mathieu, born on January 27, 1921, in Boulogne-sur-Mer, France, emerged as a pivotal figure in the post-World War II European art scene, pioneering the Lyrical Abstraction movement and significantly influencing the trajectory of abstract painting. A self-taught artist, Mathieu's journey into the art world began in 1942, initially focusing on landscapes and portraits before venturing into the realm of abstraction that would define his career.
Mathieu's early life was marked by a move to Versailles at the age of 12, where he immersed himself in the study of Greek, Russian, and Spanish. His academic pursuits led him to the University of Lille, where he studied English literature and law. Despite his formal education, Mathieu's passion for art prevailed, leading him to abandon his initial career path to fully dedicate himself to painting.
The artist's transition to abstraction in the mid-1940s was a pivotal moment in his career. Mathieu's abstract works, characterized by their dynamic, gestural brushstrokes and vibrant color palettes, sought to capture the essence of motion and emotion, transcending the representational limits of traditional painting. His innovative technique, which involved applying paint directly from the tube onto the canvas and using long brushes for sweeping gestures, allowed for a spontaneity and immediacy that became hallmarks of his style.
In 1947, Mathieu relocated to Paris, a move that would place him at the heart of the European art scene. It was here that he fully embraced Lyrical Abstraction, a movement that prioritized painterly intuition and spontaneity over the geometric precision of earlier abstract movements. Mathieu's work during this period was influenced by Eastern calligraphy, which he admired for its fluidity and expressive potential. This influence is evident in the calligraphic quality of his lines, which dance across the canvas with a life of their own.
Mathieu's contributions to the art world extended beyond his paintings. He was a prolific writer and art theorist, articulating his vision for Lyrical Abstraction in manifestos and essays that advocated for a form of abstraction that was free from premeditated forms and gestures, emphasizing the importance of speed and an ecstatic state of mind in the creative process. His performances, where he painted large-scale works in front of live audiences, blurred the lines between painting and performance art, foreshadowing the Happenings of the 1960s.
Despite his success in Europe, Mathieu's work encountered resistance in the United States, where his public performances were initially rejected. However, his influence was felt worldwide, inspiring artists in Japan, South America, and beyond. His legacy is also marked by his ventures into the applied arts, including designing a French postage stamp, a logo for a television network, and a series of travel posters for Air France.
Mathieu's work is represented in over eighty museums and public collections worldwide, including the Art Institute of Chicago, Centre Pompidou in Paris, the Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden in Washington, D.C., and the Museum of Modern Art in New York. His contributions to the field of abstract painting and his role in shaping the post-war European art scene have cemented his place as one of the most influential artists of the 20th century. Georges Mathieu passed away on June 10, 2012, in Boulogne-Billancourt, France, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire and challenge the boundaries of abstract art.
Georges Mathieu 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
subscribe to our NEWSLETTER, through which you will be
informed at the beginning of each month about the latest
acquisitions of the art gallery.
You can send us pictures of the work: