
Abstract Expressionist Painting in the Manner of Franz Kline
This is a large-scale oil on canvas painting executed in the Abstract Expressionist style, specifically evocative of Franz Kline's later polychromatic period (late 1950s-early 1960s). The composition is dominated by a central, vertical mass of vivid crimson and scarlet red, applied with thick, gestural impasto that reveals aggressive brushwork and directionality. Surrounding this central figure are swaths of bright yellow, ochre, and pale cream, contrasted against heavy black calligraphic strokes in the upper left and lower center. The construction utilizes broad brushes, creating feathered edges and energetic drips near the bottom margin. The canvas is housed in a simple, slim-profile natural wood float frame, which is characteristic of mid-century modern presentation. Physically, the surface exhibits a healthy sheen, though some crazing may be present in the thicker applications of paint. There are no immediate visible signs of punctures or major pigment loss, though the edges of the frame show light scuffing consistent with age and handling. This work captures the 'action painting' ethos, emphasizing spontaneous athletic movement and the tactile quality of the medium. The color palette is particularly reminiscent of Kline’s shift away from pure black and white toward vibrant, emotive hues shortly before his death in 1962.
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Estimated Value
$45,000 - $65,000 (Subject to Authentication)
Basic Information
Category
Fine Art / Painting
Appraised On
February 21, 2026
Estimated Value
$45,000 - $65,000 (Subject to Authentication)
Additional Details Provided By Owner
User Provided Information
franz kline
Item Description
This is a large-scale oil on canvas painting executed in the Abstract Expressionist style, specifically evocative of Franz Kline's later polychromatic period (late 1950s-early 1960s). The composition is dominated by a central, vertical mass of vivid crimson and scarlet red, applied with thick, gestural impasto that reveals aggressive brushwork and directionality. Surrounding this central figure are swaths of bright yellow, ochre, and pale cream, contrasted against heavy black calligraphic strokes in the upper left and lower center. The construction utilizes broad brushes, creating feathered edges and energetic drips near the bottom margin. The canvas is housed in a simple, slim-profile natural wood float frame, which is characteristic of mid-century modern presentation. Physically, the surface exhibits a healthy sheen, though some crazing may be present in the thicker applications of paint. There are no immediate visible signs of punctures or major pigment loss, though the edges of the frame show light scuffing consistent with age and handling. This work captures the 'action painting' ethos, emphasizing spontaneous athletic movement and the tactile quality of the medium. The color palette is particularly reminiscent of Kline’s shift away from pure black and white toward vibrant, emotive hues shortly before his death in 1962.
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