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Ralph Eugene Della-Volpe
Docks and Clouds Abstract

1954-55

About the Item

A rare period of Della-Volpe's early work - this painting is a marvelous example of his abstracted series of beach and dock scenes. During this time he used a painterly approach to abstracting that was in step with the New York school of Abstract Expressionism. In this work, his rich use of a deep red contrasted with the whites and other colors is great in any interior. It would sit well in a home that has mid-century modern leanings or needs the movement of a work from this time period. The canvas itself measures 22 x 28 so our posted size is the framed dimension. The work is signed by the artist in the lower left. It is in original condition and its provenance is directly from the artist. It will be accompanied by a catalogue done a number of years ago on the artist's work and exhibition at that time. Ralph Eugene Della-Volpe's semi-abstract paintings of often simplified beach scenes and anonymous portraits "convey profound awareness of mood and character", and his paintings are hardly as literal as they may first appear. Constantly transforming what is on the canvas, the artist is never sure himself of the final composition of each work until completion because, as he says, "Everything I paint is based on my own feelings about life, my own insights, my own observations and my own needs for expression." Della-Volpe first studied painting at the National Academy of Design before joining the Army during World War II. As a soldier, the artist saw action on Utah Beach, and his experiences undoubtedly affected his later artistic style. Tom Wolf, of Bard College, explained that the paintings Della-Volpe produced after his return from service in World War II “project feelings of melancholy.” expressed in the tense expressions in the figures’ faces. The “coloristic exuberance” found in the works beginning in the mid 1960’s, with their vibrant fuscias and yellows, seem to offset what could be an otherwise solemn tone to many of his works at the time. Upon his return from military service, Della-Volpe took a teaching position as the first artist-in-residence at Bennett College in Millbrook, New York where he remained for 28 years, serving as chairman of the Art Department for most of that time. Obviously influenced by impressionism's preoccupation with the treatment of light, Volpe's own works have a "faultless tonal quality, with its sense of failing light - the areas of silvery gray deepening into rosy tans". The simplified scenes and portraits express the artist's love of open space and his aim to evoke emotion through each piece rather than recognition of what exactly is painted on the canvas. Della-Volpe has exhibited widely throughout his career and has lectured on art at colleges, universities, and galleries across the country.
  • Creator:
    Ralph Eugene Della-Volpe (1923, American)
  • Creation Year:
    1954-55
  • Dimensions:
    Height: 26.5 in (67.31 cm)Width: 31.5 in (80.01 cm)Depth: 2 in (5.08 cm)
  • Medium:
  • Movement & Style:
  • Period:
  • Condition:
    Frame has some slight wear but it is ready and good for hanging.
  • Gallery Location:
    Greenwich, CT
  • Reference Number:
    Seller: 154051stDibs: LU1413210575272

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