Maria Szantho Original Figurative Seated Ballerina Oil Painting, c. 1960, Framed
By Maria Szantho
Located in Gavere, BE
A seated ballerina in rose-pink satin is the subject of this signed oil painting by Hungarian artist Maria Szantho (1897–1998), dating to circa 1960. With one knee raised and her hands resting near her ballet slipper, the dancer looks directly towards the viewer. A red flower accents her curled hair, while violet and mauve folds of the tutu spread around her against a cool grey background.
Careful modelling of the face and limbs contrasts with the freer handling of the fabric. Pink ribbons, satin highlights and the sweep of the skirt give the composition a theatrical character, capturing the dancer in a moment of repose.
Szantho was a Hungarian painter associated with naturalism and a pupil of Géza Kukán. She exhibited widely, including an exhibition of her work in Budapest in 1936. Her interest in the human figure is reflected here in the combination of portraiture, costume and expressive colour. Naturalistic portraiture with loose, impressionistic brushwork
Painted in oil on canvas and signed at the upper right. Canvas dimensions: 80 cm high × 60 cm wide (31.50 × 23.62 inches). Overall dimensions with frame: 100 cm high × 80 cm wide × 10 cm deep (39.37 × 31.50 × 3.94 inches).
The painting has been cleaned and is in very good condition. Provenance: private collection.
The ornate gilt frame shown is included in the sale. Its scrolling ornament complements the dancer's costume and gives the work a substantial presence on the wall. A suitable addition to a collection of ballet art, European portraiture or paintings by women artists...
Category
1960s Impressionist Maria Szantho Art