Joseph Stella (American, 1877-1946). Gris et Blanc. Oil on canvas. 36 x 29 inches (91.4 x 73.7 cm). Signed lower right: ...

Description

Joseph Stella (American, 1877-1946)
Gris et Blanc
Oil on canvas
36 x 29 inches (91.4 x 73.7 cm)
Signed lower right: Joseph Stella
Signed twice and inscribed on the reverse: Oil painting / by / Joseph Stella / Joseph Stella / Rue Boissonade 16-Paris

PROVENANCE:
The artist;
Estate of the above;
Private collection, New York;
Sotheby's, New York, December 4, 1986, lot 268;
Salander-O'Reilly Galleries, New York, acquired from the above;
Private collection, acquired from the above, 1987;
Sotheby's, New York, May 19, 2001, lot 38;
Private collection, Saddle River, New Jersey, acquired from the above.

Joseph Stella is renowned for his bold Futurist depictions of New York City, but throughout his career, he maintained a strong connection to the natural and spiritual worlds. His studies of nature offered a serene counterpoint to his more frenetic urban works, reflecting his belief in nature's role in spiritual sustenance. Stella's work showcases a delicate balance between admiration for modernity and a longing for spiritual and natural harmony.

Gris et Blanc diverges from Stella's well-known abstract cityscapes, blending figural and Surreal elements within the traditional format of a still life. In this painting, he combines multiple artistic styles, a hallmark of Futurism, with a strong influence of Symbolism. His use of soft blues, whites, and greys conveys a sense of honesty, purity, and calm-colors historically associated with spiritual and emotional clarity. Through these choices, Stella aimed to evoke a deep emotional response, blending both spiritual and aesthetic experiences.

A key influence on Stella's work was his southern Italian upbringing and European travels, where he developed an admiration for the Old Masters. This influence is evident in his compositions, which often incorporate Renaissance ideals, albeit through a modern lens. Stella sought to invoke the mystical and symbolic depth of these classical works in his own art, blending past and present with a sense of timeless spirituality.

In Gris et Blanc, Stella skillfully explores multiple styles and ideas, merging figuration, Surrealism, and abstraction. His oscillation between these different forms throughout his career helped him develop a distinctive vision of modern art that defied traditional categorizations. The painting presents an arrangement of objects that combine organic and surreal motifs in muted tones of grey, white, and blue. At the center, a large, pale vessel with handles anchors the composition, surrounded by tall, elongated vases with intricate designs. One vase is adorned with a floral, almost sculptural form, while another features a small bird perched on its rim, introducing an element of the natural world into the still life. The background is an abstracted swirl of blues and greys, creating a dreamlike atmosphere that contrasts with the stark, clean lines of the vessels. The use of patterning on the surface below the objects, including a decorative border and star motifs, adds a layer of visual complexity and hints at Stella's fascination with blending the traditional with the surreal.

Gris et Blanc exemplifies Stella's talent for combining multiple artistic influences, creating a quiet, contemplative work that reflects both his Futurist drive for innovation and his deep spiritual exploration.


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