- Robert Bonaparte
- Building and Beehives, 1980
- Oil on Linen
- 24 x 24 x 0.75 in (60.96 x 60.96 x 1.91 cm)
- Framed: 25 x 25 x 1.25 in (63.5 x 63.5 x 3.18 cm)
- $9,500
This square, 24 inch x 24 inch oil on linen painting was done by Robert Bonaparte and features a cube-like structure and two mountain-like shapes on a plain, with several, 5 to be specific, small plant-like drawings scattered around, seemingly representative of the common cacti shape. The top part of the image, taking up about 1/4th of the canvas, is a brownish background, and just below that there is a white space filling the rest of the canvas to the bottom, giving a clear break of sky and ground. There is a cube structure drawn in the middle left part of the painting; it appears to be a building with windows, with a thin, curved path leading to it from the foreground. Two yellowish/orangish mountain-like shapes are present towards the middle right side of the painting; they seem to be connected by a line/object, possibly indicating they are tied together. The painting employs a limited color palette and predominantly uses earthy tones.
In the vibrant aftermath of WWII, amidst an Oklahoma City blooming with cultural resurgence thanks to New Deal initiatives, a young Robert Bonaparte found his calling alongside his childhood friend and neighbor, Ed Ruscha. While Ruscha's works found global acclaim, Bonaparte's creations remained a treasured secret, known only to a select group of collectors and friends. Born in 1933 in Oklahoma City, Robert Bonaparte emerged as a pivotal yet under-recognized figure in the abstract art scene. From an early age, Bonaparte formed a profound friendship and artistic dialogue with Ed Ruscha, a relationship that would influence both artists' careers. After graduating from the University of Arizona in 1956, Bonaparte's thirst for knowledge took him to Rome, Italy, where he furthered his studies in art, broadening his perspective and technique. In 1959, alongside a cohort of Oklahoma artists, he relocated to California, where his artistic expression flourished. Bonaparte's work, known for its vibrant landscapes and introspective still lifes, has graced galleries worldwide, from Galleria "La Vetrina" in Rome to the Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art in Norman, Oklahoma, showcasing his international acclaim and versatility. Despite the quieter recognition compared to his contemporaries, Bonaparte's contributions to the art world are invaluable.
- Subject Matter: Landscape