Josef Šíma — Terre De Silence, 1952

Signed ‘J. ŠÍMA 52’ (lower right); signed, titled and dated ‘ŠÍMA 1952’ and ‘TERRE DE SILENCE’ (on the reverse of the canvas).

Executed in 1952, this evocative composition exemplifies the lyrical abstraction of Josef Šíma. Through a delicate, atmospheric interplay of muted tones and fluid gestural lines, Šíma constructs a dreamlike architectural landscape that seems to emerge from the canvas itself.

His signature light-filled palette, combined with the structural rhythm of the building forms, creates a serene, meditative space that blurs the boundary between physical structure and metaphysical vision.

This work captures the quintessence of Šíma’s post-war period, where the artist sought to unify the internal realm of the imagination with the external world of objects.

The ethereal application of paint, layered in translucent washes, imbues the scene with a sense of quiet permanence, inviting the viewer into a timeless realm of contemplative silence. It is a masterful study in spatial perception and the poetic potential of the abstract image.

Acquired in the 1950s by the family of the previous owner;
Thence by descent to the previous owner;
Acquired from the above by the present owner;
Private Collection, Spain.

Overall good condition. Please contact us to request a detailed Condition Report.

All lots are sold as is. See Section 4 of our Terms and Conditions for return policy.
All inquiries must be made prior to bidding, as no further details can be provided after the sale.

By placing a bid, you confirm that you have read and agree to our Terms and Conditions in full.

For shipments outside the EU, Spanish export tax may apply to certain higher-value artworks; no export tax applies within the EU. Any such tax is payable by the buyer. Please refer to our Shipping & Export Information page for further details.