Hans L (J) / Herbert Gentry

Something strange is happening here but what??

We immediately liked this forceful work that

will be  simply framed as the canvas itself allready

is enough and feels like being complete.

Oil on Canvas. Dimensions: 80 / 90 cm.

The signature appears to say "Hans" which is a common

Dutch name. we think the next prefix to be the first one

of his family name but it could be a "J"  as well as a "L".

Herbert (Herb) Gentry

This work is finally aquired by the widow of the

late Herbert Gentry, an africain artist who was educated

in Paris at the time Cobra became popular.

This one is called "Red Spin".

Oil on canvas. Dimensions: 60 - 100 cm

This recently aquired painting by Herbert Gentry

coincidentally is from the same abstract period as

"The Red Spin" the first work represented here.

It is smaller and on masonite but is a forceful work

that gives different views depending on how the light

strikes this painting. It has a lot to do with the way

the light strikes the cobalt blue paint and the use of

a kind of silver metallic paint. It's title is "Opened Window"

and it has been made in 66 which year has been written

on the front of the painting under the signature.

The signature of this painting with its' typical "6" found

on other works as well. As is known with abstract works

the spectators are invited to make their own story and

interpretation. However the central figure certainly has

 a face to our believe and when you suppose the two holes

near the left eye of that person are injuries the painting

even is macabre as the assasin is on the left where the knife

(or sword) is. The way victims tend to look once deadly

attacked is then more than obvious and makes this a

strong work to our believe as the expression is great.

In order to make everything more readable this picture

has been worked on a bit. It has been dated on the

back 66 / 67 so maybe we have to conclude it

has been made around newyears eve. The cobalt

blue colour explains a lot more when we are assuming

that is the case. Work on masonite / Hardboard that is

not tempered (not filled with linseed oil)

In reality the board is just square at all sides but

white paint that has been spilled at the edges gives it

another look. Oil on Masonite (Hardboard)

Dimensions 35 / 42 cm. Condition: fine.