In the United States, Jackson Pollock is revered as one of the most important abstract painters of the 20th century. Yet in Europe, and Canada, Jean-Paul Riopelle (1923-2002) is often placed before Pollock when assessing 20th century abstraction's evolution.

After establishing his reputation in Montreal in the 1940's Riopelle would move to Paris and briefly exhibit with the Surrealists. He quickly found acclaim for his palette-knife abstract paintings and played up the image of a "Wild Canadian".

Unlike Pollock, who tossed and poured his paints, Riopelle's works were more layered and constructed, creating dense intricate canvases.

In 1959 Riopelle married Joan Mitchell and both artists would influence the other over the course of their tumultuous relationship. The 1960's were an important period for Riopelle as he began experimenting with different medium; ink on paper, collage, monochromatic paintings and lithography.

The work from the prized "Album 67" series is a fantastic synthesis of Riopelle's artistic characteristics of the 1960's and is an ideal work for a young collector. 

Additional images available by request.

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France, 1967

Lithograph on paper. 

Signed, dated and numbered in pencil

Edition of 75

16”H 31.5”W (work)

Very good condition

Note: this work is sold unframed