Lot 217 , Vilmos Aba-Novák, Hungarian (1894-1941), Head study

Vilmos Aba-Novák (Hungarian, (1894-1941))
Head study,
1925,
signed and dated lower left,
pen and ink on paper,
22.25cm x 15.5cm

Provenance: The György Gordon (1924-2005) collection of Austro-Hungarian Art

£200-400
Vilmos Aba-Novák was a Hungarian painter and printmaker who was one of the most original and controversial talents in modern Hungarian painting.From 1912 to 1914, Aba-Novák studied at the College of Fine Arts in Budapest. He then worked at the artists’ colonies in Szolnok and in Nagybánya (now Baia Mare, Rom.). From 1928 to 1930 he was a fellow at the Hungarian Academy of Rome, and from 1939 he taught at the College of Fine Arts in Budapest.

His style combined elements of Expressionism with those of the Italian Novecento.

His dynamic compositions and use of strong colour conveyed a sense of the fantastic; the worlds of the village fair and the circus were favourite themes. Aba-Novák received numerous commissions for frescoes from the Hungarian government and from churches throughout Hungary (notably the frescoes in the Roman Catholic church in Jászszentandrás, on the Heroes’ Gate in Szeged, and in St. Stephen’s Mausoleum in Székesfehérvár). He won the jury’s Grand Prize at the Paris World Exhibition in 1937 and that of the Venice Biennale in 1940. His paintings are held in the Hungarian National Gallery and in other public collections, as well as in several private collections.

Condition:
"Due to past issues with items being damaged in transit, we regret to inform you that we are unable to offer packing and posting services on picture lots in this sale. This is non-negotialble. Picture lots must be collected in person, or external packing companies can be recommended. Thank you for your understanding."

Sold for £260