Pawel Kontny Mid-century Modern Harbor Scene, Oil

Mid-Century Modern Harbor Scene Oil on Canvas signed "Kontny". This is a wonderful vibrant and skillfully rendered oil on canvas painting by renowned listed Polish-American artist Pawel Kontny. The artist had a much travelled life and career. He studied architecture and art alongside the early modernist German painters until WWII wreaked havoc across Europe, resulting in a short period as a prisoner of war in Italy. After the war he worked extensively in Germany and travelled throughout Europe taking inspiration from the varied landscapes he encountered. It is thought that the painting offered here represents his time in the Mediterranean region, possibly Italy, Greece or North Africa. In the early 1960s the artist emigrated to the United States, settling in Denver, Colorado where he focused his work on classic Southwestern scenes such as desert landscapes and pueblo village architecture. Given this significant regional subject-matter shift, this painting likely dates from the period prior to his permanent move to the United States. The canvas used has the stamp of German canvas maker A. Schutzmann on the rear, further indicating that the painting was made while the artist was still in Europe. The rear of the canvas also features an inventory number and a stamp reading "The copyright of this painting is the property of the artist and is strictly reserved." The art is unframed and in very good condition with only minimal age-related wear and no apparent damage. There is minor edge wear, likely from a previous frame. The piece measures about 36" x 24".