Henri Michaux French, 1899-1984

Oils are rare by Michaux and figurative work is even rarer. This marvelous oil depicts indistinct heads which appear to be peaking over the top of a wall. Upon first glance, one assumes this to be a work by Jean Dubuffet as the entire feel of it speaks of his color palette and expressive hand along with the child-like feel to the execution. As one tries to determine if it is indeed a wall they will note the hieroglyphic scrawls and these are unmistakably the hand of Michaux.

A good abstraction leaves a lot to be determined and interpreted and this painting by Michaux offers many narratives and possibilities. Like Dubuffet’s Monsieur Plume with Creases in his Trousers which is depicting his friend Michaux, one may never understand the artist’s intent and thoughts. Michaux rarely uses an actual composition within his work but setting this on a diagonal also re-enforces the psychological element. Michaux was crafty and he only gives enough information to intimate much. And perhaps he is making a nod to Dubuffet in this work as there are quite of number of compositions done by Dubuffet that relate to this piece in feel.

Galerie Le Point Cardinal, Paris

Private Collection, Paris

Then by descent

Artcurial, Paris, June 2021