Corneille - 1977 - Herbes - Very beautiful colored lithograph, almost 50 years old - Sold

*Silent Splendor: The Story of "Herbes"

In the spring of 1977, somewhere in a quiet studio bathed in the soft light of the early morning sun, a work of art was created that would capture the essence of nature in all its splendor. This work of art, called "Herbes", is a lithograph that is not only a representation of natural beauty, but an ode to the stillness and unseen life within the world of flora.

Created during a period when the art world was buzzing with experimentation and innovation, between 1970 and 1979, "Herbes" found its origins in the hands of an artist who masterfully combined his love of nature and art. Using a technique as old as time, he chose lithography, a method that uniquely captures the subtle textures and delicate nuances of the subject.

The artist set to work, his hands driven by a vision only he could see, until slowly but surely "Herbes" came to life. The composition, an interplay of lines and colors, seemed to dance to the rhythm of an invisible wind, capturing a moment of pure beauty forever.

The artwork’s completion was marked by the artist’s signature, carefully placed in the corner of the paper. But it wasn’t just any signature; it was a promise, a commitment between artist and viewer, that this piece was a window into something greater. Signed and numbered in pencil, “Herbes” bore the number 44 from an exclusive edition of 125, a testament to its uniqueness and the care with which it had been crafted.

The lithograph measures 65 by 50 centimetres, a size that is both intimate and imposing, perfect for inviting the viewer to come closer and lose themselves in the details. Preserved in good condition, it continues to capture the imagination of those who are privileged to see it.

"Herbes" is more than a work of art. It is a journey to the essence of life, a silent witness to the time in which it was created and a reminder of the transience and at the same time the eternity of nature. Every detail, every line, every chosen color speaks of a love for life in all its forms. It invites the viewer to stop, to observe, and perhaps for a moment to become part of something greater than ourselves.

Thus, amidst the chaos of everyday life, “Herbes” stands as a bastion of peace and beauty, a reminder of the artist whose vision taught us to look beyond what is visible and find what truly has meaning.

The artist Corneille:

Corneille, a leading figure in the Cobra art movement, found his final resting place next to the famous Vincent van Gogh, in the picturesque village of Auvers-sur-Oise, a place just outside Paris that is full of art and history.

At the age of 88, we said goodbye to Corneille in Paris. As one of the founders of the groundbreaking Cobra movement after the Second World War, he worked side by side with big names such as Karel Appel and Constant, to point the art world in a new direction.

Corneille spent part of his life in Auvers-sur-Oise, where Vincent van Gogh also spent his last months. Van Gogh died here in 1890 and found peace next to his brother Theo.

Corneille, also known as Guillaume Cornelis van Beverloo or simply Cornelis, was more than just an artist; he was a true pioneer. With his visionary spirit, he helped shape the Cobra movement, a movement that stood for handmade, abstract art, full of expression and color. His works are like personal gifts to the art world, infused with his unique vision and the essence of vintage gems.

The Cobra movement, a gathering of creative minds from Copenhagen, Brussels, and Amsterdam, was a hotbed of innovation and unique ideas. It was as if different artists, like special craft materials, each added a unique piece to the whole:

- Asger Jorn's lively, sometimes chaotic works are like treasures from another era, reminiscent of unique finds in an antique shop.
- Karel Appel's art, with its childlike simplicity and bright colours, feels like a cheerful discovery at a flea market.
- Constant created a special mix of abstract and figurative art, each piece a jewel for the soul.
- Eugène Brands explored dreamlike worlds, his art like unique jewels.
- Pierre Alechinsky's work, a fusion of Eastern and Western techniques, is like a collection of unique jewelry.
- Else Alfelt combined colours and shapes harmoniously, each work as a handmade work of art.
- Ejler Bille's sculptures feel like vintage treasures, echoes of handmade gifts from times gone by.

Corneille's dedication to handmade art shines through in each of his works. His adventure in lithography and silkscreen printing resulted in limited editions that are considered valuable finds among art collectors. His artworks, brought together like craft materials, form a breathtaking mosaic.

His masterpieces, now preserved as vintage treasures in museums and collections around the world, are a vivid reminder of his influence. With a place in prominent institutions such as the Museum of Modern Art in New York, the Tate Gallery in London and the Centre Pompidou in Paris, Corneille's legacy remains an inspiration. His work reminds us of the power of colour, expression and uniqueness, a call to the soul to discover and appreciate what is truly special.

(0055)