Skip to main content

Video Loading

Want more images or videos?

Request additional images or videos from the seller

1 of 13

Karel Appel
ONCE I WAS THE SUN Signed Lithograph, Abstract Face, Hot Pink Blue Yellow Red
1979

Price:$1,980

About the Item

ONCE I WAS THE SUN is a limited edition lithograph by the Dutch artist Karel Appel printed using hand lithography techniques on archival printmaking paper, 100% acid free. ONCE I WAS THE SUN is an imaginative abstract composition portraying a fantastic, wildly colored animal-like face comprised of two black eyes encircled by a cacophony of multi-color stripes printed in vibrant shades of blue, red, yellow, hot pink, light lavender, pine green, burgundy, light aqua blue, navy blue and black. Karel Appel's - ONCE I WAS THE SUN is a rarely seen joyful and engaging abstract lithograph alive with color! Print size - 21.75 x 29.75 in., unframed, excellent condition, hand signed in pencil by Karel Appel, dedicated Printer's Proof aside from the edition of 175, printers chop mark embossed on lower corner, from the master printers private collection Year published - 1978 Edition - 175, plus proofs Karel Appel was one of the founders of the avant-garde art movement CoBrA, active during the late 1940's thru early 1950's. His paintings are known for incorporating applications of vibrant, violent colors often possessing a primal, childlike quality. Karel Appel, (born April 25, 1921, Amsterdam, Netherlands—died May 3, 2006, Zürich, Switzerland), Dutch painter of turbulent, colorful, and semi-abstract compositions, who was a co-founder (1948) of the CoBRA group of northern European Expressionists. He was also a noted sculptor and graphic artist. Appel attended the Royal Academy of Fine Arts, Amsterdam (1940–43), and helped found the “Reflex” group, which became known as CoBRA (for Copenhagen, Brussels, and Amsterdam), in 1948. He moved to Paris in 1950 and by the 1960s had settled in New York City; he later lived in Italy and Switzerland. Partly in reaction against what they perceived as the sterile academicism of the de Stijl movement, the CoBRA artists assimilated a variety of more-impulsive influences, including folk art, children’s art, and l’art brut (“raw art”) of Jean Dubuffet. They exploited the spontaneity and intensity of the contemporary American Action painting while maintaining a degree of representation. Appel’s style is characterized by thick layering of pigment, violent brushwork, and a crude, reductive figuration. Appel first visited the United States in 1957, where he painted portraits of prominent jazz musicians, including Miles Davis and Dizzy Gillespie. His public works include a mural in the UNESCO building in Paris. His figurative sculptures in wood and metal share with the paintings a brutal, imaginative expressionism. Artist bio - Encyclopedia Britannica

Creator:
Karel Appel (1921 - 2006, Dutch)
Creation Year:
1979
Dimensions:
Height: 21.75 in (55.25 cm)Width: 29.75 in (75.57 cm)
Medium:
Lithograph
Movement & Style:
Abstract
Period:
1970-1979
Condition:
Fine condition, never been framed or mounted, pencil signed dedicated Printers Proof aside from the edition of 175, printers chop embossed on lower corner, from the master printers private collection.
Gallery Location:
Union City, NJ
Reference Number:
1stDibs: LU832317507272

You May Also Like

Another Blue Head Again, Karel Appel

Karel AppelAnother Blue Head Again, Karel Appel, 1980

$2,360Sale Price|20% Off

H 21.75 in W 29.75 in

Another Blue Head Again, Karel Appel

By Karel Appel

Located in Fairfield, CT

Artist: Karel Appel (1921-2006) Title: Another Blue Head Again Year: 1980 Medium: Silkscreen on Arches paper Edition: 127/175, plus proofs Size: 21.75 x 29.75 inches Condition: Excel...

Category

1980s Pop Art Abstract Prints

Materials

Screen

Pink Cat, Karel Appel

Karel AppelPink Cat, Karel Appel, 1980

$3,000Sale Price|20% Off

H 24.75 in W 32.25 in

Pink Cat, Karel Appel

By Karel Appel

Located in Fairfield, CT

Artist: Karel Appel (1921-2006) Title: Pink Cat Year: 1980 Medium: Silkscreen on Arches paper Edition: Bon à Tirer; 125, plus proofs Size: 24.75 x 32.25 inches Condition: Excellent I...

Category

1980s Pop Art Abstract Prints

Materials

Screen

Happy Battle, Abstract Expressionist Lithograph by Karel Appel

Karel AppelHappy Battle, Abstract Expressionist Lithograph by Karel Appel, 1979

$1,400

H 21.5 in W 29.5 in

Happy Battle, Abstract Expressionist Lithograph by Karel Appel

By Karel Appel

Located in Long Island City, NY

An abstract expressionist lithograph by Karel Appel from 1979. Happy Battle Karel Appel, Dutch (1921–2006) Date: 1979 Lithograph on Arches, Signed and numbered in pencil Edition of ...

Category

1970s Abstract Expressionist Abstract Prints

Materials

Lithograph

Pink Cat

Karel AppelPink Cat, 1978

$2,008

H 24.81 in W 32.29 in

Pink Cat

By Karel Appel

Located in Paris, FR

Lithograph, 1978 Edition : 42/125 Publisher : London Arts (Detroit) Printer : Arts Litho-Paris 63.00 cm. x 82.00 cm. 24.8 in. x 32.28 in. (paper) 56.00 cm. x 76.00 cm. 22.05 in. x ...

Category

1970s Abstract Abstract Prints

Materials

Lithograph

Sunshine Cat

Karel AppelSunshine Cat, 1978

$2,008

H 24.81 in W 32.29 in

Sunshine Cat

By Karel Appel

Located in Paris, FR

Lithograph, 1978 Edition : 42/125 Publisher : London Arts (Detroit) Printer : Arts Litho-Paris 63.00 cm. x 82.00 cm. 24.8 in. x 32.28 in. (paper) 56.00 cm. x 76.50 cm. 22.05 in. x ...

Category

1970s Abstract Abstract Prints

Materials

Lithograph

Walking with my Bird, Abstract Expressionist Lithograph by Karel Appel

Karel AppelWalking with my Bird, Abstract Expressionist Lithograph by Karel Appel, 1979

$1,500

H 21.5 in W 29.5 in D 0.1 in

Walking with my Bird, Abstract Expressionist Lithograph by Karel Appel

By Karel Appel

Located in Long Island City, NY

An abstract expressionist lithograph by Karel Appel from 1979. Artist: Karel Appel Title: Walking with my Bird Year: 1979 Medium: Lithograph on Arches, Signed and numbered in pencil...

Category

1970s Abstract Expressionist Abstract Prints

Materials

Lithograph

Big Head Coming Down, Karel Appel

Karel AppelBig Head Coming Down, Karel Appel, 1980

$2,360Sale Price|20% Off

H 21.75 in W 29.75 in

Big Head Coming Down, Karel Appel

By Karel Appel

Located in Fairfield, CT

Artist: Karel Appel (1921-2006) Title: Big Head Coming Down Year: 1980 Medium: Silkscreen on Arches paper Edition: 15/175, plus proofs Size: 21.75 x 29.75 inches Condition: Good Insc...

Category

1980s Pop Art Abstract Prints

Materials

Screen

Sunshine Face #6 from Sunshine People by Karel Appel, 1974

Karel AppelSunshine Face #6 from Sunshine People by Karel Appel, 1974, 1974

$3,600

H 28 in W 40 in

Sunshine Face #6 from Sunshine People by Karel Appel, 1974

By Karel Appel

Located in New York, NY

Artist: Karel Appel Medium: Original Lithograph, 1974 Dimensions: 28 x 40 in, 71 cm x 101 cm Arches Paper - Excellent Condition A+ This colorful and bright original lithograph ...

Category

1970s Prints and Multiples

Materials

Lithograph

Sad Cat, Karel Appel

Karel AppelSad Cat, Karel Appel, 1980

$2,360Sale Price|20% Off

H 24.75 in W 32.25 in

Sad Cat, Karel Appel

By Karel Appel

Located in Fairfield, CT

Artist: Karel Appel (1921-2006) Title: Sad Cat Year: 1980 Medium: Silkscreen on Arches paper Edition: 88/125, plus proofs Size: 24.75 x 32.25 inches Condition: Good Inscription: Sign...

Category

1980s Pop Art Abstract Prints

Materials

Screen

Karel Appel Abstract Cat Color Lithograph Print, Signed, 1978, Sad Cat

Karel AppelKarel Appel Abstract Cat Color Lithograph Print, Signed, 1978, Sad Cat, 1978

$1,695

H 24.75 in W 32.25 in

Karel Appel Abstract Cat Color Lithograph Print, Signed, 1978, Sad Cat

By Karel Appel

Located in Washington, DC

Artist: Karel Appel Title: Sad Cat Portfolio: 1978 Cats Medium: Lithograph in colors on Japon paper Date: 1978 Edition: XV/LXV Sheet Size: 24 3/4" x 32 1/4" Signature: Hand signed an...

Category

1970s Abstract Animal Prints

Materials

Lithograph

More From This Seller

WITH MY BIRD Signed Lithograph 1978, Figurative Abstract, Bold Colors

Karel AppelWITH MY BIRD Signed Lithograph 1978, Figurative Abstract, Bold Colors, 1978

WITH MY BIRD Signed Lithograph 1978, Figurative Abstract, Bold Colors

By Karel Appel

Located in Union City, NJ

WITH MY BIRD is a rarely seen original limited edition lithograph by the Dutch artist Karel Appel printed using hand lithography techniques on archival printmaking paper, 100% acid f...

Category

1970s Abstract Abstract Prints

Materials

Lithograph

BIG HEAD RED LAVENDER Signed Lithograph, 1979, Abstract Animal, CoBrA Artist

Karel AppelBIG HEAD RED LAVENDER Signed Lithograph, 1979, Abstract Animal, CoBrA Artist, 1979

BIG HEAD RED LAVENDER Signed Lithograph, 1979, Abstract Animal, CoBrA Artist

By Karel Appel

Located in Union City, NJ

BIG HEAD RED LAVENDER is an original limited edition lithograph by the Dutch artist Karel Appel on printed using traditional hand lithography techniques on archival printmaking paper...

Category

1970s Abstract Abstract Prints

Materials

Lithograph

HAPPY COUPLE I Signed Lithograph, Abstract Portrait, Yellow, Blue, Black, Red

Karel AppelHAPPY COUPLE I Signed Lithograph, Abstract Portrait, Yellow, Blue, Black, Red, 1978

HAPPY COUPLE I Signed Lithograph, Abstract Portrait, Yellow, Blue, Black, Red

By Karel Appel

Located in Union City, NJ

HAPPY COUPLE I is a limited edition lithograph by the Dutch artist Karel Appel printed in 1978 in New York City using traditional hand lithography techniques on archival printmaking...

Category

1970s Abstract Abstract Prints

Materials

Lithograph

WALKING IN COLORS Signed Lithograph 1979, Colorful Abstract Figure, CoBrA Artist

Karel AppelWALKING IN COLORS Signed Lithograph 1979, Colorful Abstract Figure, CoBrA Artist, 1979

WALKING IN COLORS Signed Lithograph 1979, Colorful Abstract Figure, CoBrA Artist

By Karel Appel

Located in Union City, NJ

WALKING IN COLORS is an original limited edition lithograph by the Dutch artist Karel Appel printed using hand lithography techniques on archival printmaking paper, 100% acid free. W...

Category

1970s Abstract Abstract Prints

Materials

Lithograph

HAPPY IN PINK Signed Lithograph, 1979 Figurative Abstract, CoBrA Artist

Karel AppelHAPPY IN PINK Signed Lithograph, 1979 Figurative Abstract, CoBrA Artist, 1979

HAPPY IN PINK Signed Lithograph, 1979 Figurative Abstract, CoBrA Artist

By Karel Appel

Located in Union City, NJ

HAPPY IN PINK is an original limited edition lithograph by the Dutch artist Karel Appel printed using traditional hand lithography techniques on archival printmaking paper, 100% acid...

Category

1970s Abstract Abstract Prints

Materials

Lithograph

Moving Face in a Blue Sea Signed Lithograph, Abstract Creature, 1979

Karel AppelMoving Face in a Blue Sea Signed Lithograph, Abstract Creature, 1979, 1979

Moving Face in a Blue Sea Signed Lithograph, Abstract Creature, 1979

By Karel Appel

Located in Union City, NJ

MOVING FACE IN A BLUE SEA is an original limited edition lithograph by the Dutch artist Karel Appel on printed using traditional hand lithography techniques on archival printmaking p...

Category

1970s Abstract Abstract Prints

Materials

Lithograph

Read More

Romare Bearden’s Humanity Infuses His Bright, Bold Art

Through collage, painting and printmaking, the artist foregrounded Black life in America in revolutionary new ways.