Nicolas de Stael’s “Figure by the Sea” from 1952 is an abstract landscape painting that showcases the artist’s unique style. De Stael was a French painter of Russian origin and known for his ability to convey a sense of his subject through abstract forms without relying on literal representation. The work was produced with thick, impasto oil paint, applied using a palette knife, showcasing the artist’s striking sense of texture.
The painting features an abstract figure or form contrasted against a seascape background. While the subject may not be apparent at first glance, de Stael’s use of color and texture evokes a strong sense of emotion and atmosphere. The cool blues and greens used in the water are offset by warm oranges and yellows in the foreground, creating depth and dynamic contrast.
As with much of de Stael’s oeuvre, “Figure By The Sea” is characterized by its emotive qualities rather than imagery or overt symbolism. Instead, it communicates visually through gestural brushstrokes, thick impasto textures interlocking with rich colors play-off one another to create this powerful piece.
