1950s Still-life Paintings

Modernist interior scene with a kitchen still life by Johannes Gecelli (1925 - 2011) . Oil on board. Signed and dated lower right and verso. 24 3/8 x 32 1/8. Nicely framed.

'Still Life with Pitcher', oil on paper, by Charles Réal (circa 1950s). Still-lifes make voyeurs out of all of us. No matter the era to which they belong, they always give us the sense that we’re spying on a table set for a night of gluttony or perhaps, romance. Whatever is set on the still-life table can transport us to another place limited only by our imaginations. What is not well known is that those tabletop items often had coded meanings. The secret meanings behind the paintings and their unofficial language spawned several sub-genres, including floral still life, breakfast paintings...

Pitcher Crystal is an original modern artwork realized by Antonio Scordia in 1955. Oil painting on canvas. Hand signed and dated on the lower margin. Titled, signed and dated on t...

Acrylic on masonite. This is a pivotal work in deep and radiant cobalt blue from 1950. It dipicts calligraphic and hieroglyph structures over a grid and pyramidal base by the first generation abstract expressionist. Provenance: Skinner: November 13, 1992 [Lot 00219}, The entry in the Skinner catalog indicates that the painting came directly from the artist to the family of the consignor to Skinner. Kaminsky Auctions. There is an unbroken paper trail that traces the ownership of the painting from the current owner, through two auction houses to the artist. Perfect unbroken provenance. Pousette-Dart was among the most inventive of the Abstract Expressionist generation, His uncanny talent was to expand the nature of abstraction and still make each mark each element very much his own; a reflection of what he called   "the concealed power of the spirit," he said, “not of the brute physical form."   His was not aiming for a singular, realized aesthetic formula but to expand the possibilities of painting; the transcendental in painting. Typical of such invention and exploration is this  painting  Untitled 1950 when the artist was only 34 years old and represented by one of the champions of the new American painting, Betty Parsons.  
A banner year for Pousette-Dart, the Museum of Modern Art acquired their first painting by the Minnesota born artist.  He worked on easel size works such as this painting an oil on masonite. At the same time Pousette-Dart was also working on larger scale works such as Path of the Hero, running over ten feet in length now in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.  Both contain fields of color articulated by a highly sophisticated white hieroglyphic vocabulary. Rather than demonstrate an expressionist sensibility, Pousette-Dart harnesses his more cerebral ideas transforming thick areas of paint into a more refined composition of geometric forms akin to the pattern and forms of say a stained glass window. In a way he is looking back at Fugue, 1940 a black and white composition which makes use of a similar format of painting albeit smaller. Color and form are minimal, but what Pousette-Dart has maximized is the rhythmic and syncopated character of painting casting his ideas into purely symbolic terms that one might link to the pictograms of Adolph Gottlieb. Nonetheless, nature is always at the core of Pousette-Dart’s thinking and dreaming. Here he has transformed the local Ramapo Mountains—where he will eventually move with his family to live and work— into a complex series of articulated fragments linked by style, scale and color.  The painting’s imagery built on two large triangles and reduced to just two colors, cobalt blue and white all outlined in black.  Pousette-Dart symbols stacked in horizontal and vertical rows:  blue is ground, white is language, symbolic of light, consciousness and awareness . The painting maintains a mystical character images compounded that formulate a secret code and linked to the series of white paintings Pousette-Dart authored in the first half of the 1950s. Get up close to the picture and you discover images within images a kind of picture puzzle...

Signed lower right, 'A. Naur' for Albert Naur (Danish, 1889-1973) and painted circa 1955. A cheerful, mid-century oil showing a pair of leisure chairs wit...

Flowers in a Vase, oil on canvas on cardboard, 71.5x55.5 cm Fridrihs Milts (1906.21.XII – 1993.5.XI) Fridrihs Milts graduated studio of Figurative painting (under the guidance of G. Eliass) in Latvia Art academy (1932). He took part in exhibitions of association “Zala varna” (since 1929). Artist also took part in exhibitions of Culture Foundation. Self-exhibition was made in Riga (1943) and the rest ten exhibitions were made when artist lived in exile. In 1950 – 60th F. Milts took part in exhibitions of group “Cetru grupa”. In 1960 he got prize from Culture Foundation of North American Latvians. Artist was a leader of New York Latvian...

A superb large 1950's French oil on canvas still life depicting pears and a blue apothecary bottle on a table by Peter Orlando. Interesting s...

Wonderful example of Houston Artist David Adickes's early work. This heavily textured still life features 2 apples and 3 bottles. Most likely this work was framed at Dubose Gallery o...

DESCRIPTION 19 3/4 x 38 1/2 inches (sight size) 21 ½ x 41 inches (framed) Signed lower right Titled on stretcher verso PROVENANCE Private collection, New York This item is located...

André Vignoles (French, 1920-2017) Pears and Peppers, 1957 Oil on canvas Signed and dated lower left 48 in. h. x 28 in. w., as framed 39 in. h. x 19 in. w., canvas André Vignoles wa...

Signed lower right, 'S. L. Kramer' (American, 20th century) and painted circa 1960. A mid-century, oil still-life showing a bouquet of spring flowers informally arranged in a glass ...

Oil on artist board painting of a bouquet in porcelain pitcher by the American artist Nicholai Cikovsky. Signed lower right. In good condition. In contemporary gold leaf frame 27 b...

A lovely still vintage Impressionist still life that is almost all the way to abstraction, with the color passages around the fruit and flowers gently blending into one another. Comes framed, but I think it's worthy of a larger gold frame...

Classic mid century still-life of a green drape with vase, by W. Gray (American, 20th Century). Dated and signed by the artist lower right, "57 W. Gray." ...

'Still Life with Grapes', oil on canvas, French School, signed 'Kerlog' (circa 1950s). A naively charming still life with vibrant colours and ha...

Gorgeous American Impressionist still life oil painting of a basket of vibrant vegetables with a white curtain background by Monterey, California artist Genevieve Rogers (American, 1...

Beautiful mid century still life of a copper teapot and fruit by listed California artist Helen Gleiforst (American, 1903-1997), circa 1950's. The artist...

Vibrant still life painting of Shell and Yacco motor oil containers, a reflective silver bucket, and a cork-stopped glass bottle by an un...

Baron Michael D`Aguilar was born on May 15, 1922 in London to Spanish parents. He was brother of the artist Paul D`Aguilar. He spent much of his early life in Spain. He studied at...

Signed lower left, 'Ib Eisner' (Danish, 1925-2003) and dated, lower right, 1953. Displayed in a period, carved gilt-wood frame. Framed dimensions: 19 x 21.5 x 1.5 inches. A lyrical...

Beautiful oil painting of a basket of Fuji apples with a plaid cloth hanging behind by Helen Gleiforst (American, 1903-1997). Signed "Gleiforst" lower right. Unframed. Image, 24"H x ...

Gestural impasto painting of flowers in a vase. 23.5" x 17.5" sight size , 22" x 28" framed hand signed lower right. Born in 1899, Belle Golinko is a listed Jewish mid...

Signed lower left with monogram 'P/N' for Poul Nielsen (Danish, 1920-1998) and dated 1954. A vibrant and light-filled still-life by this well-listed Danish Modernist and disciple o...

A large and elegant still life with grapes and pears on a table which also features a pristine white bowl and a candle stick. Painted with simplicity, clarity of structure, and restrained emotion, this is a superb modernist work by Jean Chauffrey (1911-) dating from circa 1950. At the time, Chauffrey had a contract with mythical Paris art dealers...

Beautiful mid century still-life of authentic Hopi Indian relics including terracotta pottery, an ear of corn, and colorful moccasins on a traditional patt...

Signed on old label, verso, 'Anthony Cooper' (Lithuanian-American, 1907-1992), titled, 'Spring Bouquet' and painted circa 1955. Antanas Skupas, also kn...

Still Life is a modern oil painting artwork realized by Guido Peyron. in the 1950s. This unique painting represents a still life typical of his style, with a fresh and quick brushst...

Impressionist mid-century still life of flowers in a vase, with poppies. This is an oil on canvas and is framed in a vintage English frame. The artist was also a restorer and maybe more famous as running a studio of forgers in London, as well as being a respected painter. His most famous pupil was Eric Hebborn...

Wonderful mid century vertical still life with folk-art feel and vibrant colors by T. Tinney (American, 20th Century) 1957. Signed "T. Tinney" and dated "1957" lower right. Unframed...

Gorgeous mid-century still life of a vase of white lilies next to a green teapot and lemon by listed California artist Helen Enoch Gleiforst (American, 19...

A dynamic, highly textured impasto mid-century still life of a blue vase with flowers. Unsigned. Displayed in a rustic walnut wood frame. Image,...

Mid-Century Floral Still Life with Yellow and White Irises Gorgeous mid-century floral still life of a bouquet of Irises painted in 1959, by Pacific Grove and Santa Cruz, Californi...

The work is executed at the heyday of abstract expressionsim in the mid-50s. Colors are saturated and bright. Goldfield (of Goldfield Gallery). Written on the stretcher. Goldfield G...

Gorgeous mid century still life in the style of Paul Cezanne of a fruit basket with a turquoise blue pitcher by Carmel and Hollywood artist Helen Gleiforst (American, 1903-1997), cir...

Beautiful oil on hardboard from the middle of the 20th century representing a still life with all the symbolic elements which are a modern transposition on the theme of vanities. The...

Gorgeous vibrant still life of roses, sweet peas, and calla lilies by Helen Mae Enoch Gleiforst (American, 1903-1997). Signed "Gleiforst" lower left. Displayed in a giltwood frame. I...

An original oil on board painting by American modernist John W. Hatch. This incredible cubist painting was created in the 1950's. Estate stamped on the reverse. The painting com...

Blueprints into Reality - Full-page ad for United Engineers that ran in Fortune Magazine, March 1958, and other business magazines. As Fred Taraba stated, this image is symbolic of optimism and potential. Work includes the original issue of Fortune Magazine with the ad in which United Engineers mentions Stanley Meltzoff. "Here Stanley Meltzoff dramatizes with tools and massive concrete forms...

This rare subject of playing cards, books and objects spread out on a table was obviously a challenge and fun subject for the artist to tackle. He uses highly impastic paint thickly...

Mid Century Naturaleza Muerta Con Mangoes (Still Life w. Mangoes) by Francisco Dosamantes Substantial and brilliant modernist still-life painting mangoes by Francisco Dosamantes (Mexico, 1911-1986) Exhibition label on verso (circa 1957), "Salon De Plasticas Mexicana - Instituto Nacional De Bellas Artes - Francisco Dosamantes, Naturaleza Muerta Con Mangoes." Image 24"H x 31.5"W. "Francisco Dosamantes was born in Mexico City on October 4, 1911. His father was Daniel Dosamantes who was a builder, interior decorator and painter. Since its founding in 1949, the Hall of Plastic Mexican SPM, has accommodated the most representative work of the national art. Throughout its existence they have been part of hundreds of painters, sculptors, engravers, designers, ceramists and photographers of all tendencies and generations. Jut names: Diego Rivera, David Alfaro Siqueiros, Gerardo Murillo "Dr. Atl" Frida Kahlo, Rufino Tamayo, Francisco Dosamantes, Jorge González Camarena, Leopoldo Mendez...

Charming oil on hardboard panel from mid 1950's, representing a bouquet of roses in a vase.The painting is signed on the lower left by Irene Kestova a russian listed artist who lived in France the main part of her life. The painting is in very good condition, it comes with a recent gilted wooden frame. Dimensions: With frame: 39 cm x 35cm - 15.35 in. x 13.78 in. Painting without frame : 24 cm x 19 cm - 9.45 in. X 7.48 in. Bio: Irène klestova Irene Klestova was born on March 13, 1907 in Saratov in Russia. She continues her studies in a private school of F. I. Rerberg in Moscow. In 1925, she emigrated to Western Europe. In 1925-1926, she attended the courses of the Academy of Fine Arts in Rome. In Venice, Irene Klestova meets the painter Lev Tchistovsky...

#5-3421 A fruit and flowers still life painting, oil on canvas displayed in a black-gilt trim wood frame.Signed lower left by Bounduelle

Artist: Harry Lane Title: Art Shipping and Receiving Year: Circa 1950 Medium: Oil on Board, signed lower right Size: 30 in. x 24 in. (76.2 cm x 60.96 cm) ...

ZYGMUNT SCHRETTER 1896-1977 (Polish) Title: Still Life with Bottle and Fish, ca. 1950's Technique: Original Signed Oil Painting on Canvas si...

Signed lower center, 'Widman' for Harry Widman, Jr (American, 1929-2014) and painted circa 1956. Exhibited: Artists of Oregon, Painting and Sculpture Sho...

Ruth Todd (1909-2006, American Woman Artist) one of Colorado’s most prominent avant-garde artists and played a significant role in Colorado’s art history. Known for painting and collage. Still life with lemon and banana on kitchen table. Ruth Thomas Todd was born in 1909 in Sanford, North Carolina. She arrived in New York City in the 1930s where she began her career as a fashion model supporting herself as she attended classes at the Art Students League. For reasons of health she moved to Colorado Springs to treat her condition. During her recuperation she started to draw and studied under famous American abstract painter Robert Motherwell, who was teaching at the Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center at the time. By the 1950s, her career as an abstract expressionist painter was blooming. She was one of Colorado’s most visible and avant-garde artists. Ruth married Littleton Todd, a poet and a woodworker. In 1953, Todd traveled to Europe (Paris, France) to study art and to paint. Littleton Todd opened a design studio in Denver where he manufactured and sold modern furniture. She would incorporate sawdust and other found materials from the workshop imbued with oil paint into her abstract work to create unique topographies and patterns. She showed at numerous Gilpin County Art Exhibitions, the Denver Art Museum, the Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center, Colorado Women’s College, the University of Colorado, Boulder, the Colorado State Fair, and the Jewish Community Center. Among the Colorado Modernists that she exhibited with were Vance Kirkland, Frank Vavra...

Signed lower right, 'Fletcher' (American, 20th century) and dated 1958. A vibrant, mid-century Post-Impressionist still life showing a view of Bishop dahlias and yellow wildflowers ...

Floral still life of pink roses in a red vase with two figures, set against a dark background. Oil on canvas measures 15 3/4 x 11 7/8; frame dimensions measure 20 1/2 x 16 1/2 x 2 3/...

Original artwork depicting the Jones Beach tower surrounded by 18 frollicking unbathers commissioned by the United German American Societies of Nassau Co, ...

Donald Vogel’s paintings reflect his interest in seeking beauty in life and in sharing pleasure with his viewers. Vogel entreats us to "rejoice and celebrate each new day, knowing it...

Oil still-life of a bouquet of ocher, rose, cobalt, lavender, and ivory wildflowers, informally arranged in a goblet against a background of rust and periwinkle. Signed lower right...

Classic pastel illustration by Clair Forster c1955 depicting 'Ambrose Park', a 'big shot' from the capital Art Sz: 14"H x 18 3/4"W Frame Sz: 19 1/2"H x...

Artist: William Littlefield, American (1902 - 1969) Title: Still Life and Abstract Year: 1950 & 1954 Medium: Double-Sided Oil on Masonite, signed and dated both sides Size: 22 x 28 i...

Presenting an outstanding original oil painting by American artist Thomas Prentiss b.1920. Three Pears, is painted in the hyper realistic trompe l'oeil style, viewing this painting ...

An interesting and colourful classic 1950s English Interior. Jack Griffin was an English painter of interiors, landscapes and riverside scenes. He mostly painted in England, but was ...

To see our other Modern British Art, scroll down to "More from this Seller" and below it click on "See all from this Seller" - or send us a message if you cannot find the artist you ...

An elegant still-life of apricot-pink roses shown informally arranged in a plum-colored vase contrasted against a scumbled ivory and parchment background. Signed lower left 'Jon Bl...

Gorgeous oil on panel by Harold Cohn. Beautiful reds - the photo does not do the painting justice. The texture of the flowers is stunning. The piece is fra...