Items Similar to Vintage Bay Area Figurative Movement -- "Napoleon's Ambition"
Want more images or videos?
Request additional images or videos from the seller
1 of 10
Katherine BarieauVintage Bay Area Figurative Movement -- "Napoleon's Ambition"1982
1982
About the Item
Stunning abstract Bay Area Figurative Movement piece titled "Napoleon's Ambition" by Katherine Barieu (American, 1917-2010), 1982. Signed and dated lower right corner. Presented in grey painted slat shadow box frame. Image size: 16"H x 16"W. Framed size is 17"H x 17"W x 1.50"D.
Born in 1917, Katherine Barieau was among the artists associated with the University of California at Berkeley in the 1950s. She remained active in the regional art scene throughout the following decades, producing abstract and figurative work in oil, acrylic, watercolor, mixed media and collage.
The daughter of Scottish immigrants, Barieau was raised in Cambridge, MA. She graduated from Wellesley College (BA 1938) and later settled in California. Her art studies culminated with her enrollment in the art department at the University California, Berkeley (MFA 1953).
A quote from a 1992 artist statement reads, "I was caught up in the wave of Abstract Expressionism and influenced by the riches in the Unconscious (I had a Jungian therapist). I have never ceased to experiment with media and searching to find how best to express inner ideas. It was wonderful to be exposed to established and active painters, to have a chance to study with experienced painters, to have friends who were also exploring and involved."
Her teachers included John Haley, James McCray, Glenn Wessels and Felix Ruvolo. Her friends included fellow UC students Paul Wonner, Theophilus Brown and Jerrold Davis - as well as Richard Diebenkorn after this return to Berkeley in 1953. Barieau also studied with the California watercolorist Alexander Nepote, and with the New York School Abstract Expressionists Esteban Vicente and Kyle Morris.
Like many others of her generation in the Bay Area, the artist also worked in a figurative style in the 1950s and later. Over the years, she took interest in a variety of subjects. Her travels in California, Britain, Egypt and elsewhere also influenced her art.
The artist exhibited in New York at the Van Diemen-Lillienfeld Galleries (1958 solo show, and group shows) and at many venues in the San Francisco region, including the Lucien Labaudt Gallery. Her last gallery show (a retrospective) was held in San Francisco in 2009.
Barieau also taught, most notably as instructor of painting and later assistant professor at the California College of Art.
A set of course materials she prepared in 1961 included a statement of advice that captured her own philosophy as an artist: "Do not accept an academic reproduction of the figure on your canvas. Look until you can feel an individual reaction to the relationships of the space. Your expressions of your reaction are related to your sense of personal freedom. Aim for freedom."
- Creator:Katherine Barieau (1917 - 2011, American)
- Creation Year:1982
- Dimensions:Height: 17 in (43.18 cm)Width: 17 in (43.18 cm)Depth: 1.5 in (3.81 cm)
- Medium:
- Movement & Style:
- Period:
- Condition:Very Good: Areas of missing texture and paint repaired (right side of face) and retouched.
- Gallery Location:Soquel, CA
- Reference Number:Seller: JT-D35071stDibs: LU5421727013
About the Seller
5.0
Platinum Seller
Premium sellers with a 4.7+ rating and 24-hour response times
Established in 1986
1stDibs seller since 2014
2,898 sales on 1stDibs
Typical response time: <1 hour
- ShippingRetrieving quote...Shipping from: Soquel, CA
- Return Policy
Authenticity Guarantee
In the unlikely event there’s an issue with an item’s authenticity, contact us within 1 year for a full refund. DetailsMoney-Back Guarantee
If your item is not as described, is damaged in transit, or does not arrive, contact us within 7 days for a full refund. Details24-Hour Cancellation
You have a 24-hour grace period in which to reconsider your purchase, with no questions asked.Vetted Professional Sellers
Our world-class sellers must adhere to strict standards for service and quality, maintaining the integrity of our listings.Price-Match Guarantee
If you find that a seller listed the same item for a lower price elsewhere, we’ll match it.Trusted Global Delivery
Our best-in-class carrier network provides specialized shipping options worldwide, including custom delivery.More From This Seller
View AllVintage Abstract Expressionism -- Pink Figural
By Daniel David Fuentes
Located in Soquel, CA
Abstract figure in pink by by San Francisco, California area artist Daniel David Fuentes (American, 1978-2016), (AKA, Xavier Lundt) (American, 20th Century). From a collection of hi...
Category
1990s Abstract Expressionist Figurative Paintings
Materials
Oil, Canvas, Cardboard
"The Old Boardwalk" - 1998 Original Abstract Expressionist Oil on Canvas
Located in Soquel, CA
"The Old Boardwalk" - 1998 Original Abstract Expressionist on Canvas
Colorful abstract expressionist painting titled "The Old Boardwalk" by Charles David (Dave) Francis (American, 2...
Category
1990s Abstract Expressionist Abstract Paintings
Materials
Canvas, Oil
Abstract Expressionist Composition on Black
By Ross H. Pollette
Located in Soquel, CA
Colorful and dynamic abstract composition by Ross H. Pollette, who also paints under the pseudonyms 'Max West' (American, b. 1948). Pollette has used oil, in...
Category
1980s Abstract Expressionist Abstract Paintings
Materials
Canvas, Ink, Mixed Media, Oil
"Flower Monster" by Aromas Artist Frank Romero
By Frank Thomas Romero
Located in Soquel, CA
Vibrant abstract composition by Aromas, California, Monterey Bay Area abstract expressionist artist Frank Thomas Romero (American, b-1985). Signed ...
Category
Early 2000s Abstract Expressionist Abstract Paintings
Materials
Canvas, Acrylic, Oil, Cardboard
Abstract Expressionism -- Dads & Dogs Day At The Park
By Kristin Cohen
Located in Soquel, CA
Gorgeous oil painting of a multitude of colors titled Dads and Dogs by Kristin Cohen (American, b.1963). Signed and titled "Dads and Dogs" on verso. Image size, Unframed. 19.5"H x 19...
Category
1990s Abstract Expressionist Abstract Paintings
Materials
Canvas, Oil
Vintage Abstract Figurative Vision
Located in Soquel, CA
Wonderfully evocative abstract expressionist oil painting of a face with figure reflecting in the eye by an unknown California artist (American, 20th Century). Unsigned. Unframed. Im...
Category
1980s Abstract Expressionist Abstract Paintings
Materials
Canvas, Oil
$920 Sale Price
20% Off
You May Also Like
"Pompeian Perfumer" Grace Hartigan, Roman Subject, Abstract Expressionist Artist
By Grace Hartigan
Located in New York, NY
Grace Hartigan
Pompeian Perfumer, 1999
Signed and dated lower right; signed, titled, and dated on the reverse
Oil on linen
72 x 66 inches
Grace Hartigan’s career began among the Ne...
Category
1990s Abstract Expressionist Figurative Paintings
Materials
Canvas, Linen, Oil
Workers
Located in Riga, LV
Aleksandr Rodin (1922-2001)
Painter Born in a family of farmers. Wife Rasma Lace - art scholar. Studied at the Stalingrad School of Art, Saratov Art School, graduated from the Depar...
Category
1980s Abstract Expressionist Figurative Paintings
Materials
Oil, Cardboard, Canvas
The Night Journey - Drip Painting like Jackson Pollock
By Byron Browne
Located in Miami, FL
In Byron Browne's "The Night Journey", 1947, Picasso meets Jackson Pollock. Brown strikes a balance between fanciful representation and gestural abstrac...
Category
1940s Abstract Expressionist Figurative Paintings
Materials
Canvas, Oil
$52,000 Sale Price
20% Off
"Not Your Average Hero" by Andreas Claussen, Surreal Astronaut Painting
By Andreas Claussen
Located in Denver, CO
Andreas Claussen’s "Not Your Average Hero" (2023) is a striking oil painting that blends surrealism and contemporary realism. Measuring 39.4 x 59 inches, this compelling work depicts...
Category
2010s Abstract Expressionist Figurative Paintings
Materials
Canvas, Oil
"Expect Darkness to Surround You One Day" Surreal Astronaut Painting
By Andreas Claussen
Located in Denver, CO
Andreas Claussen’s "Expect Darkness to Surround You" (2023) is a striking oil painting that blends surrealism and contemporary realism. Measuring 47.2 x 47.2 inches, this compelling ...
Category
2010s Abstract Expressionist Figurative Paintings
Materials
Canvas, Oil
The Red Dress 5 - Framed Dynamic Original Red Figurative Abstract Oil Painting
By Bettina Mauel
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Bettina Mauel, an internationally collected artist, effortlessly channels vitality and sensuality through her awe-inspiring collection of abstract and figurative paintings. With an u...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Abstract Expressionist Figurative Paintings
Materials
Canvas, Graphite, Mixed Media, Oil
