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StatsMay 1956 (hendrifter)
Painting- Abstract Art
1956- Modern
36.0 x 43.0 cm
Arts Council Collection
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The artwork displayed on this page is protected by copyright law, which means we cannot legally create or sell an identical reproduction. This protection is enforced under international agreements such as the Berne Convention and by national laws, including those outlined by the U.S. Copyright Law - Title 17.
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May 1956 (hendrifter)
Reproduction Medium
Reproduction Size
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Total Price
$ 300
The Geometry of Modern Serenity: Exploring May 1956
To stand before Ben Nicholson’s May 1956 (hendrifter) is to encounter a moment of profound, almost crystalline stillness. This work does not shout its presence; rather, it invites the viewer into a quiet dialogue between form and space. The composition, rendered in crisp geometric divisions against a vibrant yellow field, speaks volumes about the artist’s dedication to abstraction—a language that finds beauty not in representation, but in pure structure. It is an exercise in balance, where every line and angle seems meticulously placed by an unseen hand guiding the eye through its intricate pathways.
A Dialogue with Form and Space
Nicholson's mastery here lies in his ability to distill complex visual information into elemental shapes. The overall structure presents a compelling interplay of squares and triangles, creating an illusion of depth that pulls the viewer inward. Notice how the larger square is segmented by internal triangular forms, which in turn define a smaller, perfect inner square. This nesting effect—the contained within the containing—is central to the piece's meditative quality. It suggests layers of perception, inviting us to look beyond the surface pattern and contemplate the underlying mathematical harmony that governs our visual world.
Historical Echoes: Nicholson in Mid-Century Abstraction
Created in 1956, this painting sits at a fascinating juncture in modern art. While abstraction had been evolving for decades, works like this demonstrate a continued refinement of geometric purity. Ben Nicholson, deeply rooted in the traditions of English modernism yet constantly pushing its boundaries, found immense resonance in the clarity offered by non-objective art. His early fascination with the geometry inherent in activities like billiards seems to have matured into a sophisticated visual vocabulary here—a celebration of line, plane, and the satisfying logic of pure design.
Symbolism and Emotional Resonance for the Contemporary Collector
For the collector or designer seeking an anchor piece for a modern interior, May 1956 (hendrifter) offers more than mere decoration; it offers intellectual calm. The bright yellow background acts as an optimistic burst of energy, counterbalanced by the cool, rational structure of the white and implied lines. Symbolically, the composition can be read as a map of order emerging from potential chaos. It speaks to the human desire to find pattern, balance, and enduring beauty within the flux of daily life. Owning this piece is acquiring a visual philosophy—a commitment to clarity.
Whether reproduced for a gallery wall or used to elevate a sophisticated living space, the crisp execution and timeless geometry of this work ensure that it remains both historically significant and immediately relevant, offering a touch of structured serenity to any room.
Questions & Answers
Which print setup is suggested for "May 1956 (hendrifter)" by Ben Nicholson OM?
medium size, landscape orientation: that is the print setup suggested for "May 1956 (hendrifter)" by Ben Nicholson OM.
Is "May 1956 (hendrifter)" by Ben Nicholson OM in the public domain, and why?
"May 1956 (hendrifter)" by Ben Nicholson OM is still protected by copyright. Copyright terms are measured from the artist's death, and Ben Nicholson OM died in 1982.
What is the recommended use of a print of "May 1956 (hendrifter)"?
The suggested use for "May 1956 (hendrifter)" by Ben Nicholson OM is geometry. It can serve other purposes as well.
Artist Biography
Ben Nicholson OM: A Life in Abstract Art
- Born: April 10, 1894, Denham, Buckinghamshire, United Kingdom
- Died: February 6, 1982, London, United Kingdom
Early Life and Artistic Training
- Ben Nicholson was born into an artistic family; his father, Sir William Nicholson, and mother, Mabel Pryde, were both accomplished painters. This environment fostered a deep appreciation for art from a young age.
- He received early education at Tyttenhangar Lodge Preparatory School, Seaford, Heddon Court, Hampstead, and Gresham's School in Holt, Norfolk.
- Nicholson formally studied at the Slade School of Fine Art (1910-1911), where he was a contemporary of notable artists like Paul Nash, Stanley Spencer, Mark Gertler, and Edward Wadsworth. Anecdotally, he spent considerable time playing billiards during this period, finding aesthetic appeal in the game's geometry and movement.
Artistic Development and Influences
- Early Works: Nicholson’s initial artistic endeavors involved naturalistic still lifes, influenced by his father’s style.
- Cubist Influence: Around 1926, he began to explore abstraction, heavily influenced by Synthetic Cubism and the work of Pablo Picasso.
- Neoplasticism & Primitive Style: A meeting with Piet Mondrian introduced him to Neoplasticism, while his encounter with Henri Rousseau sparked an interest in a primitive style. These influences significantly shaped his artistic direction.
- Key Movements: Nicholson became involved with several important art movements of the time, including the Seven and Five Society (of which he was chair), Unit One, and Abstraction-Création.
Major Works and Artistic Style
- Reliefs: Nicholson is particularly renowned for his abstract reliefs, beginning in 1933. These works combined painting with sculptural elements, creating a unique visual experience. The white reliefs of the mid-1930s are considered among his most significant achievements.
- Still Lifes and Landscapes: While known for abstraction, Nicholson also produced compelling still lifes and landscapes, often incorporating geometric forms and muted colors.
- The Nicholson Wall: A notable public work is the "Nicholson Wall," a mural created for the garden of Sutton Place in Guildford, Surrey, demonstrating his belief that abstract art should be accessible to a wider audience.
- Materials & Techniques: He experimented with various materials and techniques, including oil paint, pencil, gravel, and masonite, often combining them in innovative ways.
Legacy and Historical Significance
- Modern British Art: Ben Nicholson is recognized as a pivotal figure in modern British art, contributing significantly to the development of abstraction and relief sculpture.
- International Recognition: His work garnered international acclaim, with exhibitions at prestigious venues like the Venice Biennale and retrospectives at major museums worldwide. He received numerous awards, including the Order of Merit in 1968.
- Auction Records: Nicholson’s paintings command high prices at auction, reflecting their artistic merit and historical importance. For example, "Sept 53 (Balearic)" sold for $1,650,500 at Christie's New York in 2011, and “Fiddle and Spanish Guitar” fetched €3,313,000 at Christie’s Paris in 2012.
- Influence on Subsequent Artists: Nicholson’s innovative approach to abstraction and his exploration of form and space have influenced generations of artists.
Ben Nicholson OM
1894 - 1982 , United Kingdom
Quick Facts
- Full Name: Ben Nicholson OM
- Nationality: British
- Date Of Birth: 1894
- Date Of Death: 1982
- Place Of Birth: London, United Kingdom
- Notable Artworks:
- Sept 53 (Balearic)
- Fiddle and Spanish guitar
- 1946 (still life)
- Artistic Movement Or Style:
- Abstract art
- Cubism
- Constructivism
- Artists Who Influenced This Artist:
- Henri Rousseau
- Piet Mondrian
- Pablo Picasso
- Cezanne
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