- Robert Bonaparte
- Mountain Landscape, 1980
- Oil on Linen
- 20 x 21 x 0.75 in (50.8 x 53.34 x 1.91 cm)
- Framed: 21 x 22 x 1.25 in (53.34 x 55.88 x 3.18 cm)
- $9,500
This 20 x 21 inch abstract painting is an oil on linen, painted by Robert Bonaparte. The focal point and most prominent feature of the work seems to be the pinkish mountain positioned in the center of the composition. The sky surrounding the mountain is painted in light blue with soft brush strokes, which gives it an airy and open feel. To the right of the mountain, emerging from the right side of the canvas, is an elongated abstract form made up of different patches of greens, yellows, browns and a few areas of pink. Its ambiguous characteristics add an element of imagination and creativity. Below the pink mountain, filling the space from the bottom of the mountain to the foreground, is a large area of vegetation. The abstract shapes that represent this vegetation, could very well resemble trees or bushes and are painted in various colors, including green, pink, yellow, and blue. The color palette many consists of soft, pastel hues of greens, pinks, yellows, and light blue.
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