Set of two charcoals by André LANSKOY (1902-1976) - Lot 144

Set of two charcoals by André LANSKOY (1902-1976) - Deux personnages attablés, charcoal on paper signed in pencil lower left, 47.3 x 62.5 cm (on view), framed. - Card Players and The Conversation, charcoal and pencil on paper on both sides. 52 x 70 cm (on view), framed. (stains, traces of humidity) PROVENANCE - French private collection - Christie's sale, Paris, December 13, 2012, former Pierre Beres collection Reproduced on page 30 of the sale catalog Condition report available on request: contact@neo-encheres.com NOTICE André Lanskoy (1902-1976) was a Russian-born, naturalized French painter and one of the leading figures of twentieth-century lyrical abstraction. Born in Moscow, Lanskoy left Russia with his family after the October Revolution and settled in Paris in 1921, where he became part of the vibrant Montparnasse art scene. From the outset, he made a name for himself with his brightly colored figurative works, but over the years his style evolved towards complete abstraction, influenced by artists such as Henri Matisse, Paul Klee, and the color theories of Robert Delaunay. Lanskoy is associated with the École de Paris and lyrical abstraction, a movement that emphasizes emotional expression and the spontaneity of the artistic gesture. After the Second World War, his work abandoned all figurative references to focus on color and form, elements that became the very subjects of his compositions. His works are characterized by dynamic compositions, marked by flat areas of vibrant color and curved lines that respond to each other, creating a visual rhythm that is unique to his style. In addition to painting, André Lanskoy is active in other artistic fields, notably mosaics, tapestry and book illustration. He collaborated with writers and poets to illustrate books, demonstrating a versatility rare in the artistic milieu of the time. His work is often compared to that of other artists of lyrical abstraction, such as Nicolas de Staël and Serge Poliakoff, with whom he shares an exploration of color and light, while retaining his own gesturality. Throughout his career, Lanskoy has exhibited in prestigious galleries and museums around the world. His works, often perceived as symphonies of color, reflect a constant quest for harmony and movement. Today, he remains a central figure of lyrical abstraction, and his paintings are held in numerous public and private collections, celebrating his contribution to the evolution of abstract art in the 20th century.