Corneille - 1999 - De Zonnebloem - An ode to Vincent van Gogh - Sold

Beautiful original lithograph by the painter Guillaume Corneille, born in Liège of Dutch parents, founding member of the Cobra movement.

Dimensions of artwork: 76 x 56 cm

Signed and dated in pencil by Corneille
Stamp of Corneille's studio on the back of the lithograph

Very small edition. Numbered 40/75

"The Sunflower"
With this lithograph, Corneille pays tribute to Vincent van Gogh's sunflowers.
Corneille, the Cobra artist, found his final resting place next to Vincent van Gogh
Renowned Cobra artist Corneille was buried in the same cemetery where the legendary Vincent van Gogh rests, in the picturesque village of Auvers-sur-Oise, just outside Paris.
Corneille died in Paris at the age of 88. He was co-founder of the influential Cobra movement after the Second World War, together with well-known names such as Karel Appel and Constant.
Corneille spent a period of his life in Auvers-sur-Oise, where Vincent van Gogh also spent his last months. Van Gogh died there in 1890 and was buried next to his brother Theo.
Corneille, often recognized as Guillaume Cornelis van Beverloo or simply Cornelis, was not just an artist, but a visionary who played a crucial role in shaping the Cobra movement. This avant-garde movement, co-founded by Corneille, became synonymous with handmade abstract art that was both expressive and colorful. Each piece he created felt like a personalized gift to the world of art, reflecting his unique vision and embodying the essence of vintage finds.
Born from a spirit of rebellion against traditional art norms, the Cobra movement, named after the cities of Copenhagen, Brussels and Amsterdam, was a melting pot of creativity. It was like a treasure chest of unique jewels of ideas and vintage-inspired innovation. Within this movement, different artists, like craft materials that come together, each left their unique mark:
Asger Jorn's vibrant and chaotic paintings felt like handmade gifts from another era, treasures one might encounter in a vintage store. Karel Appel's art, characterized by its childlike simplicity and bold colors, was reminiscent of vintage finds on a sunny day at a flea market. Constant offered a unique blend of abstract and figurative art, creating pieces that felt like personalized jewelry for the soul. Eugène Brands wandered into the world of dreams, where each work of art resembled a piece of unique jewelry. Pierre Alechinsky combined Eastern and Western art techniques, creating unique jewelry with his art. Else Alfelt's works were a harmonious mix of colors and shapes, each feeling like a handmade craft. Ejler Bille was known for his sculptural pieces that felt like vintage treasures from a bygone era, echoing the charm of handmade gifts.
Corneille's, or Cornelis', dedication to handmade art was evident in every brushstroke. His works, characterized by their unique blend of colors and shapes, were a testimony to his unparalleled talent and vision. He also ventured into the world of lithograph and screen printing, with his limited editions, often signed by the master himself, becoming sought-after vintage finds among art collectors. These pieces, like craft materials, came together to create a beautiful art tapestry.
Today, Corneille's masterpieces, like vintage treasures, can be found in prestigious museums and collections worldwide. His contributions to the art world, recalling the finest vintage finds and handmade crafts, have been recognized and celebrated in institutions such as the Museum of Modern Art in New York, the Tate Gallery in London and the Center Pompidou in Paris, among others. These institutions serve as a testimony to his legacy, reminding everyone of the power of colorful, expressive, handcrafted and unique art that speaks to the soul, just like the craft materials that come together to create a beautiful piece.