Hanna BEN-DOV (1919–2009) "Lyrical Impetus" Circa 1960

Original ink on ARCHES® art paper, original studio backing

This original ink on paper is a work of remarkable vibrancy signed by Hanna Ben-Dov, an iconic figure of the Second School of Paris and Lyrical Abstraction.

Unlike some of the denser compositions of the era, this piece is striking for its airy dynamic and its incredible sense of rhythm. The artist’s gesture is one of total fluidity, releasing a spontaneous energy where the black ink masterfully dialogues with the luminous matte finish of the paper. Faithful to the artist's creative habits, the work is presented on its original heavy paper studio backing, creating a perfect contrast that highlights the noble texture and natural deckled edges of the Arches paper. A work of great modernity, ideal for bringing lightness and timeless elegance to a contemporary interior.

Historical Context: The Mastery of Post-War Gesture

Settling in Paris in the late 1940s, the Israeli-born artist Hanna Ben-Dov befriended Constantin Brancusi and quickly established herself as a central figure of the capital's avant-garde. She exhibited regularly alongside giants of her generation such as Joan Mitchell, Jean Degottex, and Zao Wou-Ki. The 1960s marked the peak of her exploration of ink and wash. It was during this prosperous period that she participated in crucial exhibitions (Galerie Cinq Mars, Groupe de Largentière) that would seal her reputation among the great abstract painters of her generation.

The POPINCOURT Gallery’s Perspective

While Lyrical Abstraction by definition rejects figurative representation, this ink drawing by Hanna Ben-Dov possesses a rare evocative power. One is surprised to discern, throughout the suspended lines and nervous strokes, the stylized silhouette of a figure caught in a run or a joyful dance. This is the magic of her work in the 1960s: making the imagination vibrate with an economy of means close to Zen art.
This piece combines two major attributes for collectors. On one hand, the nobility of its Arches paper with the "infinity" watermark, guaranteeing museum quality. On the other, its reverse side, which bears the official ink stamp of the Mairie de Labeaume (Ardèche), the village where the artist retired at the end of her life.

Information

Artist: Hanna Ben-Dov (1919–2009)
Title: Élan Lyrique
Provenance: Artist's studio estate / Institutional collection (Official stamp from the Mairie de Labeaume on the reverse)
Period: Circa 1960
Technique: Original ink on art paper
Exceptional backing: Paper from the ARCHES® France mill (the brand's prestigious watermark accompanied by the infinity symbol ∞ is visible when held up to the light in the lower left of the sheet).
Dimensions of the work alone: 33 × 25 cm
Dimensions (with original backing): 44 × 33.5 cm
Signature: Signed “Ben Dov” in the upper right
Unique period mounting: Original drawing fixed onto its studio art backing cut by the artist, adorned with a hand-drawn gray-black framing border (an integral part of the visual composition).
Condition: Very good overall condition. Some slight historical handling marks in the upper left of the outer cardboard backing, evidence of its life in the studio and its journey, with no impact on the splendor of the central composition.

Framing Advice

This work is sold unframed. To respect the original studio mounting and the border drawn by Hanna Ben-Dov, we suggest a modern "shadow box" frame or a minimalist black frame with deep spacing, highlighting the relief of the two superimposed papers.

Package contents

Élan Lyrique Hanna Ben-Dov 1960
Certificate of authenticity