Corneille - 1978 - Woman with the bird - Beautiful work of art, almost 50 years old. In List! - Sold

Corneille's Artwork:

At a time when the art world was recovering from the shocks of the twentieth century, with its world wars, its cultural and political revolutions, and its constant search for new meanings, Corneille, an artist whose name is inextricably linked to the vibrant and rebellious CoBrA movement, produced a work that represented both a tribute and a renewal: "The Woman and the Bird" (1978).

Characterized by its bright colors and stylized forms, this painting is a fascinating insight into Corneille’s world, where the boundaries between the conscious and the subconscious are blurred. With its central figures of a woman and a bird, dressed in a palette of primary red, blue and surrounded by shades of yellow, orange and purple, the work radiates an almost mystical energy. This energy invites the viewer to delve deeper into the symbolism and meaning behind this seemingly simple representation.


The woman, with her long red hair and dressed in a red dress, facing the large blue bird, may represent the connection of man with nature, or more specifically, the soul reaching out for the freedom that the bird symbolizes. Their gazes, full of curiosity and perhaps mutual understanding, suggest a moment of silent communication or recognition. This moment is further emphasized by the dynamic composition and the abstract shapes and symbols that fill the background, creating a sense of depth and mystery.

Corneille's choice of silkscreen printing as a technique for this work underscores his skill in creating sharp lines and flat, vibrant colors, which give the painting a graphic and modern look. This technique, combined with his unique style, makes "The Woman and the Bird" a typical example of Corneille's work, in which fantasy, symbolism and an uninhibited expression of color come together.

The painting is not only a visual delight but also offers multiple layers of interpretation. It can be seen as an ode to the freedom and beauty of existence, an exploration of the subconscious, or even a meditation on the connection between different life forms. Corneille's use of color, form and symbolism creates a world that is both playful and profound, where every element, from the stylized forms to the circular symbols in the background, contributes to the story the painting tells.

For art lovers and collectors, "The Woman and the Bird" is more than just a work of art; it is a window into the essence of Corneille's artistry and a key piece in the oeuvre of an artist known for his use of color, his imagination, and his deep connection to nature and exotic cultures. The work stands as a treasured reminder of the influence of Corneille and the CoBrA movement on modern art, as well as an enduring invitation to view the world around us with a sense of wonder and an open heart.

In the final analysis, "The Woman and the Bird" offers a rich tapestry of color, form, and meaning, testifying to Corneille's lifelong passion for art and his search for an expression that transcends conventional boundaries. It is a piece that speaks to the imagination, invites reflection, and continues to captivate with every glance, a true treasure for any art.

Corneille's early years and the CoBrA period:

While "The Woman and the Bird" graces the walls of galleries and the hearts of art lovers around the world, the story of Corneille and the CoBrA movement takes us back to the years just after World War II. It is a time of rebuilding, not only of cities and communities, but also of the spirit of creativity and freedom that had been suppressed by the war. In this time of renewal, in a Europe licking its scars and rethinking its identity, a group of young, revolutionary artists find themselves united in their shared aversion to conformism and their hunger for artistic freedom.

Corneille, born Guillaume Cornelis van Beverloo, was driven by a passion for art from an early age. His youth, marked by war and occupation, formed the background to his early experiments with painting and drawing. But it was only after the liberation that his artistic soul really took flight. He travelled through Europe, his mind and eyes wide open to the influences of the landscape, the people and the art that he found on his path. These journeys, especially his trips to North Africa, would have a decisive influence on his work, which is characterised by vivid colours, exotic themes and a deep appreciation for the spontaneity and purity of children's art and primitive cultures.

In 1948, the CoBrA movement was born, a name that is an acronym for the home cities of its founders: Copenhagen, Brussels and Amsterdam. Corneille, together with artists such as Karel Appel, Asger Jorn and Christian Dotremont, were at the cradle of this movement, which aimed for a radical break with traditional art. They were young, ambitious and full of an unstoppable urge to create, to rebel against the established order and to explore a new, freer form of expression. Their work was expressive, colourful and often controversial, testifying to a deep connection with the emotional and the instinctive.

For Corneille, CoBrA was more than an artistic movement; it was an attitude to life. It offered him a platform to experiment with forms, colours and materials, and to express his views on the world and nature without restraint. His paintings from this period are populated with birds, cats, sun-drenched landscapes and mythical figures, all expressed in a rich colour palette that reflects his love of life and nature.

The CoBrA years were a time of intense creativity and collaboration, but also of conflict and debate. The group did not stay together for long; in 1951 it disbanded, partly due to internal differences, partly due to external pressure. But the impact of CoBrA on modern art is undeniable. It laid the foundation for a generation of artists who continued to challenge conventions and push the boundaries of expression.

For Corneille, the end of CoBrA did not mean the end of his artistic journey. On the contrary, it opened new horizons. His later work became more figurative and naturalistic, often inspired by his love of the garden and the birds around him. Yet the spirit of CoBrA lived on in his undiminished pursuit of spontaneity, colour and emotional depth.

Corneille's early years and his time with CoBrA form a crucial chapter in the story of an artist whose work continues to fascinate, challenge and inspire.

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