Hans Ittmann (1914-1972) - Vibrant Abstract Composition

Signed lower right. Sheet size: 50.5 × 64.5 cm. Professionally framed behind glass. This lively, colourful abstract composition by the Dutch painter and sculptor Hans Ittmann features bold, playful forms — floating eyes, triangular figures, and energetic black outlines — set against a richly textured, warm-toned background. Executed in gouache and watercolour on thick paper, the work displays the spontaneous, expressive quality that characterises Ittmann’s later output. About the artist Hans Ittmann (Waalwijk 1914 – Amsterdam 1972) trained as a lawyer but abandoned his studies in 1941 to become an artist. After the war he studied at the École des Beaux-Arts in Paris on a French government scholarship and worked for a year in the studio of Ossip Zadkine. Back in the Netherlands he became active in progressive artist groups, including Creatie and as a co-founder of Liga Nieuw Beelden. Like many of his contemporaries he was interested in “primitive” cultures and spontaneous expression; his work sits close to the spirit of CoBrA without being strictly part of the group. Works of this more expressive, CoBrA-adjacent character by Ittmann are particularly sought after and have proven commercially strong.His work is represented in the collection of the Stedelijk Museum Amsterdam, the Rijkscollectie (National Collection), CODA Museum (Apeldoorn), and the TextielMuseum. He also created numerous public sculptures (among others in Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Emmen, and Wageningen) and exhibited at the Stedelijk Museum Amsterdam, Gemeentemuseum Den Haag, Sonsbeek, and elsewhere.Provenance & details This piece comes directly from the artist himself and dates from the 1970s. It is a characteristic example of his expressive gouaches on paper from that period. Shipping is at the buyer’s own risk because of the glass. I will of course pack the work as carefully and securely as possible. A strong, colourful, and characteristic work by an important Dutch post-war artist whose more CoBrA-related pieces are highly appreciated by collectors.

Estimate:£669.14

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