Ivan Generalic (Croatian, 1914-1992). . Landscape with Two Figures . 1979. Oil on glass. Signed lower left: I. Gen. 19...

Description

Ivan Generalic (Croatian, 1914-1992)

Landscape with Two Figures
1979
Oil on glass
Signed lower left: I. Gen. 1979
17 x 17-1/2 inches (43.2 x 44.5 cm)

Ivan Generalic often entered into a poetic dialogue with nature and the scenes he painted from life in and around the Hlebine, Croatia area. Indeed, the Hlebine School, so-named due to the proliferation of his followers from that town and region, focused on the transformation of real life into art in their folk art that survives today.

In Landscape with Two Figures, Generalic chooses to place people in the scene, in this case the elderly woman and her cane with the standing man under a clump of trees at center left. Generalic often included people he knew in his pictures to create a further sense of accuracy in conveying his beloved homeland in all its beauty and calm. Although his career spanned over seventy years and included works concerning social commentary, particularly after the Second World War, he is most well known for his excellent folk art on glass as seen here.

In this landscape Generalic remembers his roots as a 'peasant artist', as he and his followers in the Hlebine School were called as they went into the art world creating a genre all their own - on the unforgiving surface of glass. The color and texture achieved in Landscape are startling, with the pinkish thatched rooftops and the verdant foliage of the trees that balance the painting throughout. The vibrant contrasting colors of the old man and woman, even though in peasant dress, leads one's eye to the vanishing horizon which appears shimmering in the distance, an effect achieved so well on glass.

Ivan Generalic continued his work until his death in 1992 leaving a legacy of continuing an art form of folk art on glass for which he will always be remembered. Landscape with Two Figures is emblematic of that legacy in its beauty of the folk art technique he mastered. Beautifully framed in a 1-inch gold frame, glass covered, with a 4-inch matte, the picture is in excellent condition.

Provenance:
Galerie Alpha, Brussels, Belgium (1979)

*Heritage Auctions strives to provide as much information as possible but encourages in-person inspection by bidders. Statements regarding the condition of objects are only for general guidance and should not be relied upon as complete statements of fact, and do not constitute a representation, warranty or assumption of liability by Heritage. Some condition issues may not be noted in the condition report but are apparent in the provided photos which are considered part of the condition report. Please note that we do not de-frame lots estimated at $1,000 or less and may not be able to provide additional details for lots valued under $500. Heritage does not guarantee the condition of frames and shall not be liable for any damage/scratches to frames, glass/acrylic coverings, original boxes, display accessories, or art that has slipped in frames. All lots are sold "AS IS" under the Terms & Conditions of Auction.