This Untitled Abstract Composition in Oil on Canvas signed Joe Stefanelli is a gem of Mid-Century American Abstraction. This painting brilliantly exemplifies the approach and movement of the New York School of Abstract Expressionists which Stefanelli knew intimately and exhibited with during his career. This piece balances the build up of layers with confidently rendered and balanced abstract geometric forms above. This creates a highly developed and textured ground to the painting where Stefanelli then applies precise geometric shapes atop the thin layer of smokey paint concealing and unifying the complex marks and hues of the layers beneath. This creates a deep ethereal ground surrounding and housing the geometric forms, some floating above the smokey mist and some above a smeary expressive section of transparent white paint on the center right of the composition. The value and chroma of the shapes are balanced brilliantly, a small rectangle of vermillion or cadmium red jumps playfully to the eye and leads the view into the rest of the work, dancing between and within the array of shapes. Joe Stefanelli participated in the notable Ninth Street Show, invited to the Artist's Club by friend and colleague Franz Kline. This painting is truly excellent and boasts uniquely warm and inviting approach, sure to style beautifully in a wide array of interiors and settings from Mid-Century to Contemporary Spaces. In Excellent Vintage Condition. Signed on the Upper Right by the artist. Fitted with a custom gallery frame in brown walnut with a off white linen floater.

American, circa 1949

Dimensions:

Frame - Height: 23" x Width: 32" x Depth: 2"

Canvas - Height: 21" x Width: 30"

Creator: Joe Stefanelli (1921 - 2017)

Creation Year: circa 1949

Medium: Paint

Movement & Style: Abstract

Period: 1940-1949

Condition: Excellent

Reference Number: LU711313322272