Larry Rivers – Queen of Clubs, 1960 – Oil on canvas

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Oil on Canvas - Signed

Larry Rivers’ Queen of Clubs is an abstract oil painting that showcases his characteristic blend of figuration and abstraction. The composition is an expressive mix of broad, gestural brushstrokes, with layers of thickly applied paint in muted tones of red, black, white, and pink. The piece hints at a form, possibly inspired by the card symbol, but remains elusive, allowing for multiple interpretations. The textured surface and dynamic movement within the composition suggest Rivers’ exploration of both structure and spontaneity in his work. Signed by the artist, Queen of Clubs exemplifies Rivers' innovative approach to pushing the boundaries between abstraction and representation, capturing a moment of painterly energy and depth.

Larry Rivers (United States, 1923–2002) was a multifaceted artist whose work bridged Abstract Expressionism and Pop Art. Initially a jazz saxophonist, he transitioned to visual arts, creating paintings and sculptures that often incorporated commercial imagery and cultural references. Rivers' innovative approach significantly influenced post-war American art.

Larry Rivers

Queen of Clubs, 1960

Form

Painting

PaintingPainting is the process of applying media to a surface, using a tool such as a brush. The term refers to both the action and the resulting object. Artists use many tools to paint, such as brushes, airbrushes, palette knives, sponges or fingers and hands.

Medium

Oil on canvas

Oil on canvasOil paint is a slow-drying type of paint made from pigment particles suspended in a drying oil, typically linseed oil. The viscosity of the paint can be adjusted by adding a solvent like turpentine, and varnish can be added to increase the glossiness of the dried paint film. Oil painting has been used since the 12th century in Europe, initially for decoration, but it was not widely adopted as a primary painting medium until the 15th century.

Edition

Unique work

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●Inventory 13614

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Limited Edition Print

Limited Edition Print

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Any art communicates what you're in the mood to receive.
- Larry Rivers

Larry Rivers (b. 1923 USA, d. 2002 USA) was an influential American painter, sculptor, and filmmaker, often credited as a key figure in the development of Pop Art. Rivers' work is characterized by its bold use of color, dynamic compositions, and incorporation of everyday objects and popular culture references, blending abstraction with figuration in innovative ways. He began his career as a jazz musician before turning to painting in the late 1940s, studying under Hans Hofmann and becoming associated with the New York School. Rivers is best known for his works that juxtapose traditional artistic techniques with contemporary themes, such as his iconic Washington Crossing the Delaware (1953), which reinterprets the famous historical painting in a modern context. His art often challenged conventional boundaries, merging high art with popular imagery and exploring themes of history, identity, and politics. Rivers' work has been exhibited in major museums and galleries worldwide, and he remains a significant figure in the history of 20th-century American art. (Artist website)

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What is Gestural?

Gestural art is a term that describes painting with freely sweeping brushstrokes. The primary goal of gestural art is to allow the artist to physically express emotional impulses. The varied, yet expressive paint marks are intended to convey the artist's inner thoughts and emotions, which viewers are believed to understand through the dynamic and spontaneous application of paint.

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Larry Rivers

Queen of Clubs, 1960

25.4 x 20.3 cm

Larry Rivers

Queen of Clubs, 1960

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Biography

Bio

Blue Collar Holiday, 1990

Patriotic Stamps, 1976

Untitled from The New York Collection for Stockholm, 1973

Postponderance, 1960

Untitled (King of Clubs), 1967

Golden Tales, 1990

Madame Butterfly, from Metropolitan Opera Fine Art I, 1978

For Adults Only, 1971