Sunday, October 9, 2011

The Travellers: Victor Brauner Portrait

As a continuation of The Travellers, a series where the same piece of furniture or artwork is shown used in different locations, this edition features a provocative portrait by Romanian-born Victor Brauner, 1903-1966.  Although associated with the Surrealists for much of his career, The Devoted Classicist guesses that this work was executed after his formal break with that group in 1948.  The artist's work always featured symbolism and color, but unfortunately nothing specific can be related about this particular work.
In this Dining Room in the Seventh Arrondissement of Paris decorated by Alberto Pinto, the portrait is installed opposite the entrance to the room.  The 18th century paneling was given carved plume finials by Pinto and inserts of what appears to be gilt-stamped leather.  The text that accompanies these color photos is translated from French and more than a little cryptic, but states that the portrait is placed to focus attention.  And it states that the portrait is part of a multicultural design mixture that includes the haute epoque chandelier and an upper wall display of Spanish and Brazilian silver plates.
A previous installation of the portrait was in the main room of a Louis XIII period manor house.  Along with a suede (or velvet) contemporary sectional sofa, the painting offers sharp contrast to the traditional patterned terra cotta floor, textured whitewashed walls, and solid wood ceiling beams.  It is also interesting to note that the painting was reframed for the more formal Dining Room, with less carving on a partially gilded profile and with the omission of the linen liner.

The color images are from ALBERTO PINTO CLASSICS, published by Rizzoli, 2001.  The black & white image is from DECORATION, VOLUME II, published by French & European Publications, 1963.  The previous entries in The Travellers series can be revisited by clicking on the key words chimneypiece, folding screen, and sunburst clock.

8 comments:

  1. Thanks, this make me smile. Where is it today?

    ReplyDelete
  2. Terry, the painting is still in the Dining Room as shown in the color photos, as far as I know. Thank you for your comment.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Great post. Although I love the work of Alberto Pinto, I prefer the painting as positioned in the manor house--the austerity makes her even more gorgeous. Thanks. Mary

    ReplyDelete
  4. Wowie! You have the most wonderful eye for the sophisticated yet fun that is a very rare talent. When I "win the Lottery" (or equivalent), you will be one of the first people I call because I want you to do a house for me!

    ReplyDelete
  5. Mary, in the manor, the end of the room to the right is not shown in this view, but that wall is dominated by a big, black background Miro painting putting the Brauner in a secondary position. So I found it interesting that it was the focus in the Paris location. Thank you for commenting.

    Janie, the phone lines are open. Good luck on the Lottery!

    ReplyDelete
  6. Love this travellers series! It's so real b/c our beloved artwork and furniture moves with us.

    ReplyDelete
  7. I love this idea for a series. I am always inspired when I visit here!

    ReplyDelete

Your interest in this blog is appreciated. Other commitments might prevent an immediate response to your comments or questions. That does not lessen the value of the blog reader's input, however. Only comments relating to the current post are eligible for publication; non-relevant comments and promotional references will be deleted. Contact me at johnjtackett@gmail.com regarding other questions. Anonymous comments cannot be accepted.