The Vanguard Series Nr. VIII: Postwar European Abstract Composition, 1950s-1970s, Oil on Board

“the vanguard series nr. Viii: a collection of postwar european abstractions”, oil on board, unsigned (circa 1950s–70s). A compelling body of work emerging from the forgotten studios and ateliers of postwar europe, this collection brings together vibrant, abstract compositions created by a loosely connected group of artists believed to have been active between the 1950s and 1970s, based on materials, techniques, and provenance. The paintings in this series reflect the enduring influence of early 20th-century modernism. Cubist structures, fractured perspectives, and bold colour fields hint at the legacy of picasso, braque, and gris, while the raw energy and inventiveness speak to a generation determined to chart its own artistic path after the war. They are strikingly modern yet rich with historic resonance. These artworks were unearthed in recent years from long-forgotten caches and have been gently conserved. Their charm lies not only in their aesthetic power but in their mystery—each one a fragment from an artistic movement that never had a name, but whose spirit lives on in these compelling pieces. Each one invites curiosity, conversation, and a deeper engagement with the enduring impact of modernism in all its many forms. This painting is in good overall condition having received a light conservation treatment with a process developed by an art restoration specialist. It is newly framed with a linen slip. Please enjoy the many photos accompanying this listing. Videos and additional images provided upon request. Dimensions with frame : h 47 cm / 18.5″ w 41 cm / 16.1″ dimensions without frame : h 35 cm / 13.8″ w 29 cm / 11.4″ about the artist : our gallery has access to a cache of paintings from the 1950s to the 1970s attributed to an art collective whose traces start with germany. Berlin to start, but also dresden, along the saale, weimar, brera in milan and brussels. From the post-war period and onwards, they hosted young people who experimented with different painting techniques with exceptionally creative results. Over the years, dedicated art-seekers managed to unearth a treasure trove of these works from forgotten repositories. Once examined, the paintings were presented first to the italian art market and then beyond, to art lovers in europe and the united states. Quietly, but surely, word of mouth scattered the news of the existence of these found artworks: cubist, expressionist, futurist and avant-garde. Trying to label these pieces doesn’t do them justice truly, but to call them studies, sketches, or simply, creations, would be more accurate. It is interesting to note the artworks were very often unsigned, but often as not, initialled or monogrammed. Using known masterpieces as reference, their mentors suggested a particular style with which to experiment. Regrettably, this makes it impossible to pinpoint who amongst these bright creatives ‘made it’ in the world of art. But it really doesn’t matter. Each piece we’ve selected is extraordinary and therein lies the interest in these works. Notwithstanding that, s everal galleries have acquired and are now selling these works initialed stm. This clearly speaks to the widespread assessment of the quality and interest of the art. Today, the artists’ creations hang on the walls of art lovers in london, paris, new york, hong kong, miami and los angeles. Galleries scramble to acquire the works having recognised the outstanding potential in the international art markets for these pieces with such fascinating origins.