About this lot

Description

§ Walter Horst Nessler (German/British, 1912-2001) Jersey signed 'Nessler' (lower left) oil on canvas 39.50 x 50cm (15 x 20in) Other Notes: Born in Leipzig, Germany, Nessler began his artistic career at the Castelli Italian School of Art, Dresden. Despite not being Jewish, he strongly opposed National Socialism, and eventually moved to London in 1937, joining the British army shortly thereafter. After the war, he studied sculpture at St Martin's School of Art and travelled to Paris, meeting the likes of Cocteau, Sartre, Picasso, Giacometti and Matisse. French modernism, particularly Cubism, exerted a strong influence on his subsequent work. The bright colours and geometric planes used to depict the landscape surrounding Jersey, the subject of numerous works in the early 1950s, reveals the artist's optimistic post-war outlook. Nessler first exhibited his work at the Molon Gallery in 1961. He also took part in several group exhibitions at the Royal Academy, the Royal Society of British Artists, and commercial galleries in London, the provinces, and abroad. A retrospective of his work was held in 1990, which coincided with his increasing recognition in Germany. Nessler's works are now held in numerous public collections internationally.Oil on canvas. On the reverse of the painting is an area of modern adhesive which appears to be a crude repair to a tear at the right of the painting. Around this area are raised flakes of paint. The area appears pink under ultraviolet light suggesting it may have been retouched or reworked following the damage. Quite extensive cracking throughout. 

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