- Robert Bonaparte
- Table Still Life, 1980
- Oil on Linen
- 20 x 22 x 0.75 in (50.8 x 55.88 x 1.91 cm)
- Framed: 21 x 23 x 1.25 in (53.34 x 58.42 x 3.18 cm)
- $9,500
This 20 x 22 inch abstract oil on linen painting was done by Robert Bonaparte and depicts a still life arranged on an ornate, brown table against a smudged muted blue background. The table takes up a majority of the composition and is adorned with various objects including a dark grey bottle and fruits depicted in minimalistic shapes and pastel colors. The fruits are rendered in spherical forms, some with long green leaves attached. Four of them are painted with soft hues of pink, one is yellow, and two are orange. The yellow fruit and two of the soft pink fruits are placed upon a green table cloth with flowing lines and folds that drape over the table, adding movement to the static composition.
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
- Collections: Found Treasures Show