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Anthony Mastromatteo
"The Painting, As Seen by the Wall" an oil painting of a canvas, framed backward

2023

$11,800
£8,958.36
€10,246.45
CA$16,486.31
A$18,336.38
CHF 9,574.69
MX$223,134.20
NOK 122,283.35
SEK 114,680.21
DKK 76,473.19
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About the Item

One of the most confounding paintings in this exhibition is “The Painting, As Seen by the Wall”. Mastromatteo depicts a bare canvas, framed in reverse, turned-around. He presents the back of the painting to the audience, meticulously portraying the wooden stretcher bars, and neatly affixed staples, which hold the canvas taut in place. The overall image pique’s the logical side of our brain, forcing us to investigate what might be on the other side, but the painting has no front. Conversely, it has two backs! The artistically rendered image doesn’t exist, or perhaps it resides somewhere in the center, inaccessible to the viewer. But in actuality, this painting is about nothing. Similar to Seinfeld, the overall generalization of the content forces us to consider the objective from a variety of perspectives. Mastromatteo’s composition is abstract in context, where a big ornate frame should be surrounding a majestic portrait expertly crafted. It’s a very old-fashioned style, affixed to a contemporary glorification.Interestingly, Mastromatteo is also acknowledging the 20th century master Claudio Bravo, with this painting. Bravo made auction history in the late 20th century when a small painting of a wrapped canvas went to the MOMA for over $1m. Later in 2011 Bravo created a triptych of the backs of three canvases. Framed dimensions: 25.5 x 29.75 inches Artist Bio The arts have been an integral part of Anthony Mastromatteo’s life for over 25 years. A Bachelor of Arts degree in Art History from Princeton University in 1992 led to a five year position at Christie’s auction house in New York City in the American Paintings, 19th Century Paintings and Maritime Paintings and Objects departments. As his exposure to the art world expanded he began studying the practice of art after work at the Art Student’s League in New York City. In 1997 he made the transition to full-time art study at the Water Street Atelier, a school of art practice based on the methodology of the French Academy and the French atelier system of the 18th and 19th centuries, under the tutelage of Jacob Collins. In 2002 he finished his studies and made the transition to working as a professional artist. He has worked solely as an artist since that time. He currently has representation with galleries in New York City, Los Angeles and Cleveland. Anthony resides with his wife and daughter, Stella and Alba, in Akron, Ohio. Mastromatteo specializes in hyperrealistic and trompe l'oeil oil paintings. His highly intellectual perspective attracts art collectors of the keenest eye. Please inquire for commissions.
  • Creator:
    Anthony Mastromatteo (1970, American)
  • Creation Year:
    2023
  • Dimensions:
    Height: 16 in (40.64 cm)Width: 20 in (50.8 cm)
  • Medium:
  • Movement & Style:
  • Period:
  • Condition:
  • Gallery Location:
    Sag Harbor, NY
  • Reference Number:
    Seller: MAS-0066711stDibs: LU389313085972

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