Abstract Gouache on Paper by Jean Miotte

This artwork is a characteristic gouache painting by the renowned French Informel artist Jean Miotte (1926-2016). The piece exemplifies the artist's 'Lyrical Abstraction' style, featuring energetic, calligraphic linework over a neutral, expansive background. The palette is restrained, primarily utilizing dark, gestural marks—likely black or deep charcoal—executed with rapid fluidity. The composition is defined by the tension between the spontaneous, sharp linear intersections and the soft, modulated tones of the gouache application. Measurement of the visible field suggests a medium-format work on heavy-weight artist paper. Notable features include the varying thickness of the strokes, ranging from thin, hair-like scratches to a single, bold vertical impasto-like sweep. Regarding condition, the paper shows some tonal variations and minor surface irregularities consistent with the age of mid-to-late 20th-century works; however, the pigment remains vibrant and lacks visible flaking. There are no immediate signs of foxing or water damage in the captured section. The craftsmanship is high-quality, reflecting Miotte's mastery of motion and space, typical of his production between the 1960s and 1980s. This piece is a significant example of post-war European abstraction, emphasizing the physical act of painting.