Composition, Celle

Artist William Gear (Methil, Scotland, 1915 - 1997)

Date1947

Mediumoil transfer and gouache on paper

ClassificationsPaintings And Drawings

DimensionsSight Size: Height: 28.5 cm, Width: 46 cm
Frame: Height: 47 cm, Width: 63.4 cm

AcquisitionPurchased in 1997 with assistance from the National Fund for Acquisitions.

LocationView by Appointment - Aberdeen Treasure Hub

Object numberABDAG012250

Keywords

Abstract

About MeIn 1947 William Gear was working near Celle, near Frankfurt in Germany, working for the Monuments, Fine Arts and Archives Section of the Control Commission, he focused on securing the safety of the Berlin Art Collection in Schloss Celle, and organised several exhibitions of modern art, including some of his own, in a country recovering from the Nazis who had considered such works "degenerate".
This boldness and political dimension would be visible throughout his career in his attitude to art. His naturally robust and tenacious temperament was profoundly affected by visiting Bergen-Belsen, and this certainly influenced his preference, as seen here, for black armature.