- Robert Bonaparte
- Figure with Patterns, 1980
- Oil on Linen
- 24 x 22 x 0.75 in (60.96 x 55.88 x 1.91 cm)
- Framed: 25 x 23 x 1.25 in (63.5 x 58.42 x 3.18 cm)
- $9,500
This 24 inch x 22 inch painting is an abstract oil on linen by Robert Bonaparte. At the center, a distorted figure is depicted with simplified features and contours and is presumably a non-human representation, dressed in a garment with stripes of yellow and purple. A small section of brown paint emerges from the top left corner of the work, and stops at a point about 1/3 down from the top of the canvas. The background is divided into two distinct sections: on the left, a pattern of small triangles painted with various tones of orange and yellow, and on the right, vertical stripes with alternating shades of brown and pale yellow, and vary in thickness. The painting mainly utilizes earthy tones but is highlighted by bright yellows, oranges and purples.
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: Portrait