Opus 79 - Gerard Schneider

A striking example of Lyrical Abstraction by Gerard Schneider, featuring bold, gestural brushwork against a saturated magenta background.

Gerard Schneider, a Swiss painter active in Paris, is a figure associated with the movement known as Lyrical Abstraction. This work, dated 1969, demonstrates his approach to the canvas, where gesture and colour operate without reliance on representational forms. The composition is dominated by a field of intense magenta, providing a flat, saturated background that pushes the darker elements forward.

Two primary gestural forms occupy the space. On the left, a large, dark, earth-toned mass is applied with heavy, visible brushwork. The paint texture here is thick, suggesting the physical movement of the artist's hand across the surface. This form possesses a sense of weight and density, contrasting with the lighter, more fluid application of the magenta ground. To the lower right, a smaller, bright red mark appears as a sharp, calligraphic accent. This red element acts as a counterpoint to the larger dark mass, creating a tension between the two forms.

Schneider's practice involved the direct application of paint, often working quickly to capture a sense of immediate energy. He avoided preparatory sketches, preferring to allow the interaction between the brush and the canvas to dictate the final outcome. In this piece, the lack of traditional perspective or depth forces the viewer to engage with the materiality of the paint and the relationship between the colours. The work is signed and dated in the lower right corner, consistent with his practice of marking his canvases upon completion. This print captures the texture of the original oil application, maintaining the contrast between the dark, heavy strokes and the luminous magenta field.