Jean-Paul Riopelle

Untitled, 1974

This important oil on canvas, executed in 1974, reflects the full artistic maturity of Riopelle. Moving away from the densely mosaiced compositions of his earlier years, the artist develops here a freer and more luminous gesture, where the painted surface appears to vibrate through powerful chromatic contrasts.

Executed with his characteristic palette knife technique, the work reveals the raw energy that defines Riopelle’s pictorial language. Deep blues and structuring blacks interact with bursts of emerald green and incandescent red, creating a dynamic and immersive composition.

The painting also benefits from an exceptional provenance. It is listed in the Riopelle catalogue raisonné (Volume 5, p.157, no. 1974.084H.V1974) and notably passed through the renowned Galerie Maeght in Paris, as well as important international private collections and major auction houses including Christie's and Bonhams

Catalogue raisonné des œuvres de Jean-Paul Riopelle, tome 5, page 157 #1974.084H.V1974

Galerie Maeght, Paris

Private Collection 

Maître Dupuy, Honfleur, vers 1986, lot 161

Private Collection (acquired from the above)

Bonhams, New York, 12 mai 2015, lot 31

Private Collection

Christie’s Paris, 2019:

Galerie Conaugh Brown, London, UK

Collection particulière