Ponti Art Gallery is interested in buying and selling works
of art by this artist.
Antonio Saura Biography
Antonio Saura Atarés, born on September 22, 1930, in Huesca, Spain, emerged as one of the most significant post-war avant-garde painters, leaving an indelible mark on several generations of artists. His journey into the realms of art and literature began in 1947 in Madrid, during a prolonged battle with tuberculosis that confined him to bed for five years. This period of isolation and introspection became the crucible for his early artistic experiments. Influenced by the Surrealist movement and artists such as Hans Arp and Yves Tanguy, Saura's initial works were characterized by dreamlike surrealism, employing a smooth application of paint to create imaginary landscapes.
Saura's artistic evolution took a significant turn during his stays in Paris in the early 1950s, where he briefly associated with the Surrealists led by André Breton. However, his quest for a personal artistic language led him away from the group, towards a more gestural and abstract expression. This period marked the beginning of his lifelong engagement with themes that would dominate his oeuvre: the human figure, women, nudes, self-portraits, shrouds, and crucifixions. His work during this time was characterized by a gestural style, employing a limited palette dominated by blacks, grays, and browns, asserting a personal style that was independent of the movements and trends of his generation.
In 1957, Saura founded the El Paso group in Madrid, a collective that played a pivotal role in the development of Spanish Informalism. The group sought to create a new pictorial language that broke away from the dominant trends and the moderated modernity of the time. Saura's work with El Paso and his solo exhibitions across Europe and the United States helped to consolidate his artistic career and international reputation.
Saura's artistic language is deeply rooted in the Spanish tradition, drawing inspiration from masters such as Diego Velázquez and Francisco de Goya. His work, however, was a radical departure from this tradition, as he sought to wrest it from the grasp of Francoist culture by applying the gestural painting associated with Art Informel and American Action painting to traditional Spanish themes. This approach allowed Saura to free the grand Spanish tradition and give it a powerful new life.
Throughout his career, Saura was highly versatile, not only producing paintings but also engaging in printmaking, illustrating books, creating sculptures, and designing stage sets. He was also a prolific writer, publishing several books that delved into art theory, philosophy, and his own creative process. His writings provide valuable insights into his artistic journey and the themes that permeated his work.
Saura's exploration of the human condition, focusing on themes such as war, violence, and the contradictions of human existence, made his art a powerful vehicle for expressing his critique of societal issues. His paintings often evoke feelings of anguish, existentialism, and a profound exploration of the human psyche, reflecting his personal struggles and the socio-political climate of his time.
Antonio Saura passed away on July 22, 1998, in Cuenca, Spain, at the age of 67. His contributions to the art world have earned him a place among the most important avant-garde painters of the 20th century. His works are exhibited in major galleries and museums around the world, including the Museum of Modern Art in New York, the Centre Pompidou in Paris, and the Reina Sofia Museum in Madrid, testament to his enduring artistic legacy and the profound impact he has had on modern art history.
Antonio Saura 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
acquisitions of the art gallery.
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