Michel Seuphor (1901 - 1999) - photo 1

Michel Seuphor

Michel Seuphor, born Fernand Berckelaers in Borgerhout, Belgium, on March 10, 1901, was a seminal figure in the avant-garde art movement, best recognized for his contributions as a Belgian painter, writer, and art critic. Seuphor's adoption of an anagram of Orpheus as his pseudonym underscores his deep connection to the arts, symbolizing a bridge between the world of the living and the artistic underworld. He was pivotal in establishing the literary magazine Het Overzicht in Antwerp in 1921, marking his initial foray into avant-garde circles and showcasing his commitment to fostering artistic innovation​​.

Seuphor's move to Paris in 1925 signified a major shift in his career, where he became deeply involved with the abstract art movement. His creation of the first abstract drawings between 1926 and 1928, and his collaboration with notable artists like Piet Mondrian, underscored his evolving artistic vision. Seuphor's founding of the Cercle et Carré (Circle and Square) group in 1930 with Joaquín Torres-García was a testament to his leadership and vision in promoting abstract art, drawing members such as Jean Arp and Le Corbusier​​.

Throughout his life, Seuphor authored pivotal works on abstract painting and sculpture, significantly influencing the documentation and understanding of 20th-century abstract art. His books, including "A Dictionary of Abstract Painting" and "The Sculpture of this Century," remain crucial texts for scholars and enthusiasts alike. Seuphor's legacy extends beyond his writings to include a significant collection of contemporary art, featuring works by artists such as Marcelle Cahn and Victor Vasarely, illustrating his role not just as a theorist and critic but also as a collector and patron of the arts​​.

For collectors and experts in art and antiques, Seuphor's life and work offer a fascinating glimpse into the development of abstract art in the 20th century. His contributions to the field through his artistic practice, critical writing, and patronage underscore the enduring impact of his vision.

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Date and place of birt:10 march 1901, Antwerp, Belgium
Date and place of death:12 february 1999, Paris, France
Nationality:Belgium, France
Period of activity: XX century
Specialization:Artist, Ceramist, Graphic artist, Poet, Researcher, Writer
Genre:Allegory
Art style:Abstract art, Constructivism

Creators Belgium

Jan Frans van Bloemen (1662 - 1749)
Jan Frans van Bloemen
1662 - 1749
Emile van Doren (1865 - 1949)
Emile van Doren
1865 - 1949
Henry Schouten (1864 - 1927)
Henry Schouten
1864 - 1927
Frans Masereel (1889 - 1972)
Frans Masereel
1889 - 1972
Walter Vaes (1882 - 1958)
Walter Vaes
1882 - 1958
Hugo Van der Goes (1440 - 1482)
Hugo Van der Goes
1440 - 1482
Paul-Joseph Bouré (1823 - 1848)
Paul-Joseph Bouré
1823 - 1848
Theodoor Rombouts (1597 - 1637)
Theodoor Rombouts
1597 - 1637
Gerard Jozef Portielje (1856 - 1929)
Gerard Jozef Portielje
1856 - 1929
Philippe de Champaigne (1602 - 1674)
Philippe de Champaigne
1602 - 1674
Peter van Dievoet (1661 - 1729)
Peter van Dievoet
1661 - 1729
Abraham Ortelius (1527 - 1598)
Abraham Ortelius
1527 - 1598
Piat Joseph Sauvage (1744 - 1818)
Piat Joseph Sauvage
1744 - 1818
Serge Vandercam (1924 - 2005)
Serge Vandercam
1924 - 2005
Hendrik Frans van Lint (1684 - 1763)
Hendrik Frans van Lint
1684 - 1763
Victor Lagye (1825 - 1896)
Victor Lagye
1825 - 1896

Creators Abstract art

Pia Pizzo (1937 - 2021)
Pia Pizzo
1937 - 2021
Bjørg Lødøen (1931 - 2009)
Bjørg Lødøen
1931 - 2009
Henry Moore (1898 - 1986)
Henry Moore
1898 - 1986
Tau Lewis (1993)
Tau Lewis
1993
Urs Aeschbach (1956)
Urs Aeschbach
1956
Andreu Alfaro (1929 - 2012)
Andreu Alfaro
1929 - 2012
Gerriet Postma (1932 - 2009)
Gerriet Postma
1932 - 2009
Frank Dobson (1886 - 1963)
Frank Dobson
1886 - 1963
Giò Pomodoro (1930 - 2002)
Giò Pomodoro
1930 - 2002
Hans Werdehausen (1910 - 1977)
Hans Werdehausen
1910 - 1977
Barbara Kasten (1936)
Barbara Kasten
1936
Victor Popov (1952)
Victor Popov
1952
Peter Herkenrath (1990 - 1992)
Peter Herkenrath
1990 - 1992
Andre Marfaing (1925 - 1987)
Andre Marfaing
1925 - 1987
Jin You (1979)
Jin You
1979
Francisco Farreras (1927 - 2021)
Francisco Farreras
1927 - 2021