Hugo Ottmann (Argentinian, 1920-1997). "Figura con Arabesco Blanco." (Figure with White Arabesque) Oil on panel, 1961. Signed and dated on lower right. A large-scale Cubist painting of a human figure by Argentinian artist Hugo Ottmann. Ottmann brilliantly reduced the figure to bold geometric forms and elegant lines - delineated in a muted palette of golden yellow ochre, sage, olive, sienna, chocolate brown, mauve, russet, black, and white. At the same time, he imbued the figure with a remarkable degree of detail, working the surface so that gestures manifest in many areas; viscous drips just above the figure's left elbow; two overlapping white cord-like arabesque motifs created with raised paint; rich pigments layered in ribbon-like skeins over the shoulders suggesting flesh and underlying organs; two thickly applied crescents to indicate breasts; thin, black drip marks falling from the figure's right forearm; and zigzags scratched into the green half of the figure's neck. Size: 35.3" L x 15.125" W (89.7 cm x 38.4 cm) Size of frame: 41" L x 21" W (104.1 cm x 53.3 cm)
Born in Rosario, Argentina, Hugo Ottmann was a founding member of "Grupo Litoral". His work was widely exhibited and he received many coveted honors. Inspired by various modernist movements, yet still loyal to his artistic mission, Ottmann put his own individual stamp on his art. Fellow Argentinian artist Ruben de la Colina waxed poetic about Ottmann with a statement that generally translates, "In each work the light becomes a mysterious miracle of incidence on the form and of luminous transparency. The color is emerging from elaborate glazes that are covering and letting it be seen in succession."
Provenance: ex-Phoenicia Holyland Antiquities, New York, New York, USA, acquired before 2010
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#166426
Condition
Painting is in excellent condition. It is signed and dated on the lower right. The beautiful frame, which is painted with chocolate brown and gold pigments, is superb as well save minor scuffs here and there. There is a label on the verso that includes the title, "Figura con arabesco blanco" followed by "OTTMANN". Wired for suspension and ready to display.