- Robert Bonaparte
- Still Life with Three Oranges, 1980
- Oil on Linen
- 24 x 22 x 1 in (60.96 x 55.88 x 2.54 cm)
- Framed: 25 x 23 x 1.25 in (63.5 x 58.42 x 3.18 cm)
- Signature: Front, bottom, left
- $9,500
This framed, 25 inch x 23 inch painting was done by Robert Bonaparte in 1980. The work is painted in an abstract manner with visible brush strokes and features a central vase upon a table. The vase is painted with both an earthy green and beige color and has two yellow blooms, rendered in a simplified form. Surrounding the vase upon the table are orange circular forms, likely representing oranges, which add to the still life genre of the composition. The table and objects take up a majority of the composition and the surrounding negative space is painted a light blue color.
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: Still Life on Table