Original hand painted wood construction mounted in a plexiglass box -Hand signed by Appel -Inbcludes original Editions Press certificate on the verso.
Karel Appel's Couple in Wood (1975) is a vibrant, hand-painted wood construction that embodies his signature abstract expressionist style. Mounted within a Plexiglass box, this piece features two stylized figures crafted from bold, colorful shapes that bring a playful and almost primal energy to the composition. The figures are rendered in a striking mix of reds, greens, blues, and purples, with exaggerated facial features that add personality and emotional intensity. The textured surfaces and layered wood elements create a sense of depth and movement, while the vivid colors reflect Appel’s dynamic approach to form and color. Hand-signed by Appel, this work showcases his ability to blend spontaneity with structure, transforming simple materials into a lively depiction of human connection.
Karel Appel (Netherlands, 1921–2006) was a co-founder of the CoBrA movement, known for his expressive, colorful paintings and sculptures. Inspired by childlike spontaneity and raw emotion, Appel used bold brushstrokes and vibrant colors to challenge conventional art forms. His works, celebrated worldwide, reflect his belief in the primal power of creativity and imagination.
WoodWood is one of the most ancient and versatile materials used in creating art. It has served as a base for paintings, brush handles, pens, and pencils, as well as for easels, wood engraving, woodcut, woodblock printing, and sculpting. Various types of wood, such as oak, maple, and pine, are commonly used in these artistic applications.
Original hand painted wood construction mounted in a plexiglass box -Hand signed by Appel -Inbcludes original Editions Press certificate on the verso.
Karel Appel's Couple in Wood (1975) is a vibrant, hand-painted wood construction that embodies his signature abstract expressionist style. Mounted within a Plexiglass box, this piece features two stylized figures crafted from bold, colorful shapes that bring a playful and almost primal energy to the composition. The figures are rendered in a striking mix of reds, greens, blues, and purples, with exaggerated facial features that add personality and emotional intensity. The textured surfaces and layered wood elements create a sense of depth and movement, while the vivid colors reflect Appel’s dynamic approach to form and color. Hand-signed by Appel, this work showcases his ability to blend spontaneity with structure, transforming simple materials into a lively depiction of human connection.
Karel Appel (Netherlands, 1921–2006) was a co-founder of the CoBrA movement, known for his expressive, colorful paintings and sculptures. Inspired by childlike spontaneity and raw emotion, Appel used bold brushstrokes and vibrant colors to challenge conventional art forms. His works, celebrated worldwide, reflect his belief in the primal power of creativity and imagination.
Karel Appel studied at the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Amsterdam. His first solo exhibition took place in 1946 in Groningen. In the years following the end of World War Two he developed his own unique style of art, using found objects and pieces of timber in assemblages and other artworks. His earliest themes were associated with imagery of childhood, often featuring grotesque humans, monsters and animal forms. He was one of the founders of the Dutch Experimental Group in 1948, along with Guillaume Corneille and Constant Nieuwenhuys. All three artists left Amsterdam and moved to Paris, where they joined with Belgian and Danish artists to form the Cobra international art group.
Abstract Expressionism is an art movement that emerged in the United States during the 1940s and 1950s. Characterized by large, abstract canvases, the movement emphasized spontaneous, expressive brushwork and the use of color and form to convey emotion rather than represent reality. Artists like Jackson Pollock, Mark Rothko, and Willem de Kooning are key figures in this movement. Abstract Expressionism marked a shift in the art world, making New York City a center of the international art scene.