62. Pines [1960.-1963.]

Ljubo Ivančić was born in Split in 1925, and finished his Fine Arts Academy in Zagreb in 1949. He also taught at the same Academy from 1961 to 1979, and led the Master Workshop from 1975 to 1984. He was a member of the JAZU. He passed away in Zagreb in 2003. Ivančić is classified among numerous painters of the Zagreb circle whose expression was formed in the 1950s, on one hand through the expressive figuration of existential associations, and on the other, through Informalist poetics that assume the tactile, impasto application of paint. The paintings of Ljubo Ivančić carry a dark atmosphere by insisting on dark colors, everyday themes, and highlighting details that suggest the transience of life (paintings of the cycle Traces of Man), based on existentialist philosophies, popular in mid-20th century art. Expression is mainly achieved by manipulating the substance of color - piling it up, scratching, embossing forms into it. From the 1970s he lightens his palette. His constant motifs are broken nudes, stylized self-portraits, rainy streets. The "Pines" show all the characteristics of Ivančić's landscapes of the second half of the fifties and sixties. The landscape here is seen as a dark vision of the moment. The shape of the pine trees is stylized with black lines that enclose fields of scratched paint where the effective interplay of black and white creates a shimmering, dynamic impression. The middle of the picture is emphasized by a prominent matter, and relief-like applications of paint are present throughout the entire lower zone of the picture. Shades of darker green are incorporated into the dominant black. The strong contrast between the spaces of the trees and their black, curved lines, as well as the dynamics achieved in black and white, create an image of interesting, expressive effect, i.e. a characteristic interpretation of a piece of nature in the poetic norms of the 1960s. (F.G.)

Dimensions

width 65 cm, height 50 cm

Description

oil on hardboard, signed upper left, in white, "Ivančić Lj"

Dating

1960.-1963.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

For clarifications regarding the bidding procedure, hammer price costs, guarantee, payment, and collection terms for the winning lot, we recommend carefully reading/re-reading the Bidding Regulations.

For additional information regarding the lot and the auction, please contact the Art Consultants Department.