Franciska CLAUSEN (1899-1986) - Lot 172

Franciska CLAUSEN (1899-1986) Geometric composition with stemmed glass Felt pen on squared waxed paper H_27 cm W_21 cm Paper crumpled and faded top right Franciska Clausen (1899-1986) was a Danish pioneer of abstract art, influenced by cubism, constructivism and neoplasticism. Trained at several prestigious schools in Europe, she studied under such masters as Hans Hofmann, László Moholy-Nagy and Fernand Léger. In the 1920s, she exhibited in international salons and was a member of the Cercle et Carré group alongside such great artists as Mondrian. Back in Denmark, her avant-garde style was misunderstood, and she turned to naturalistic portraits to support herself. However, recognition grew in the 1950s, with exhibitions and awards, including the Thorvaldsen Medal in 1977. Her work is characterized by an exploration of geometric forms and modern themes. She left her mark on Danish and international art with emblematic works, and her influence endures through her contributions to abstract art.