The March Fine Art Auction
Saturday, March 15th, 2025 (Auction ended)
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Etel Adnan (1925-2021)
56.5 × 47.5 cm | 22.2 × 18.7 in
Oil on Canvas
Sold for: 60,000 75,000 with buyer’s premium

Details

Signed on the back of artwork “Adnan 14”.

Sizes:
Frame: 59.5 × 49 cm | 23 × 19 in
Artwork: 56.5 × 47.5 cm | 22 × 18 in

Step into the vibrant world of Etel Adnan, a luminary in contemporary art celebrated for her masterful interplay of color, abstraction, and symbolism. “Untitled, 2014” is a testament to Adnan’s artistic prowess, offering a profound visual narrative that transcends cultural boundaries and invites deep contemplation.

Bold Color, Minimalist Abstraction, and Meditative Composition

This striking oil on canvas showcases Adnan’s signature use of vibrant primary hues, evoking a sense of warmth and belonging. Simplified geometric forms create a timeless abstraction, rendering the essence of landscapes in their purest, most evocative form. The thick, expressive texture of the paint adds depth and dynamism, offering a tactile connection to the artist’s process, while the harmonious arrangement of shapes and colors provides a serene, meditative viewing experience.

At the heart of the composition is a powerful path leading toward the sun, a symbolic motif of optimism, transcendence, and life’s journeys. Each element is imbued with meaning, inviting the viewer to explore deeper connections between humanity, nature, and the cosmos.

A Masterpiece of Significance and Cultural Relevance

Etel Adnan’s unique fusion of Western and Eastern artistic traditions reflects her Lebanese-American heritage and global perspective. Her works are a bridge between cultures, celebrated for their ability to communicate universal themes. Within the art world, Adnan is revered as a modernist innovator whose contributions to abstract and color field painting have left an indelible mark.

Created during her mature period, “Untitled, 2014” encapsulates the mastery she achieved late in her career. This piece not only celebrates Adnan’s deep connection to landscapes but also her ability to use abstraction as a language that speaks to the human experience. The work’s timeless quality ensures its enduring relevance, allowing it to complement both contemporary and traditional interiors with unparalleled elegance.

Collectibility and Investment Value

Owning an Etel Adnan painting is an opportunity reserved for discerning collectors and art enthusiasts. With her works featured in prestigious museum collections worldwide, including the Centre Pompidou and Guggenheim Museum, Adnan’s paintings hold significant cultural and monetary value. “Untitled, 2014” represents a rare acquisition opportunity for those seeking a piece that blends artistic mastery with investment potential, as her market presence continues to soar.

Timeless Appeal for Discerning Collectors

“Untitled, 2014” isn’t merely a painting; it’s a window into the transcendent power of abstraction and the human connection to the natural world. Whether displayed in a gallery, a curated home, or a cultural institution, this piece radiates sophistication and invites both introspection and admiration.

Seize the chance to own a piece of history and bring the profound artistry of Etel Adnan into your collection. This is more than an investment; it’s a legacy that transcends time, boundaries, and cultures.

Provenance

Acquired directly from the artist in 2014.
Private collection, Paris, France.
Acquired from the above in 2022 by the current owner.

Condition

Good condition with some signs of wear. Framed.

* - Please note: This lot was listed on Aurora & Athena's platform under a promotional and marketing agreement with Trianon Arts D.O.O. (Montenegro). All legal and financial aspects of the sale, including invoicing and payment processing, were handled solely by Trianon Arts D.O.O. Aurora & Athena did not issue invoices nor receive payments from the buyer of this lot.
Etel Adnan: A Visionary of Color, Landscape, and Poetic Abstraction
Lebanese 1925-2021

Etel Adnan (1925–2021) was a Lebanese-American artist, poet, and writer known for her radiant color fields and abstract landscapes that bridge painting and poetry. Born in Beirut to a Greek mother and a Syrian father, Adnan’s multicultural background shaped her artistic voice, deeply influenced by the vibrant landscapes of the Mediterranean and the California coast. She studied philosophy at the Sorbonne in Paris and later taught in the United States, where she expanded her creative practice across multiple disciplines.

Adnan’s paintings, often composed of bold, geometric forms and strikingly pure colors, reflect her deep engagement with nature and memory. Inspired by the light and energy of Mount Tamalpais in California, she captured the essence of landscapes in a minimalist yet expressive style, echoing the traditions of modernist abstraction. Her work resonates with the emotional intensity of her poetry, blending visual art with a lyrical sensibility.

Gaining widespread international recognition later in life, Adnan’s art was celebrated in major exhibitions, including documenta 13 in 2012 and retrospectives at prestigious institutions like the Guggenheim Museum and the Serpentine Galleries. Through her synthesis of color, form, and poetic vision, Etel Adnan remains an enduring figure in contemporary abstraction, redefining the relationship between art, language, and place.

A vivid abstract landscape painting by Etel Adnan, featuring bold color blocks in yellow, orange, green, and blue, depicting a minimalist interpretation of nature.
Etel Adnan (1925-2021)
56.5 × 47.5 cm | 22.2 × 18.7 in
Oil on Canvas
Estimate: 8,000 - 10,000
Sold for 60,000 * 75,000 with buyer’s premium