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

Victor Eugène de Papeleu (1810 - 1881)
Victor Eugène de Papeleu
1810 - 1881
Jodocus Hondius (1563 - 1612)
Jodocus Hondius
1563 - 1612
Jan Brueghel I (1568 - 1625)
Jan Brueghel I
1568 - 1625
Roberto Mangou (1948)
Roberto Mangou
1948
Alexander Joseph Daiwaille (1818 - 1888)
Alexander Joseph Daiwaille
1818 - 1888
Henriette Ronner-Knip (1821 - 1909)
Henriette Ronner-Knip
1821 - 1909
Arthur Willaert (1875 - 1942)
Arthur Willaert
1875 - 1942
Philippe de Champaigne (1602 - 1674)
Philippe de Champaigne
1602 - 1674
Frans Masereel (1889 - 1972)
Frans Masereel
1889 - 1972
Gilles-François Closson (1796 - 1842)
Gilles-François Closson
1796 - 1842
Eugeen van Mieghem (1875 - 1930)
Eugeen van Mieghem
1875 - 1930
Alfred Holler (1888 - 1954)
Alfred Holler
1888 - 1954
Gustave Singier (1909 - 1984)
Gustave Singier
1909 - 1984
Jan Mandijn (1500 - 1560)
Jan Mandijn
1500 - 1560
Giuseppe Grisoni (1699 - 1769)
Giuseppe Grisoni
1699 - 1769
Joseph Quinaux (1822 - 1895)
Joseph Quinaux
1822 - 1895

Creators Abstract art

Joan-Josep Tharrats (1918 - 2001)
Joan-Josep Tharrats
1918 - 2001
Jules De Balincourt (1972)
Jules De Balincourt
1972
Werner Pfeiffer (1937)
Werner Pfeiffer
1937
Radcliffe Bailey (1968 - 2023)
Radcliffe Bailey
1968 - 2023
Cai Guoqiang (1957)
Cai Guoqiang
1957
Marieta Chirulescu (1974)
Marieta Chirulescu
1974
Alexey Vasilievich Kamensky (1927 - 2014)
Alexey Vasilievich Kamensky
1927 - 2014
Simone Westerwinter (1960)
Simone Westerwinter
1960
Andre Marfaing (1925 - 1987)
Andre Marfaing
1925 - 1987
Walter Menne (1908 - 2000)
Walter Menne
1908 - 2000
Jacques Doucet (1924 - 1994)
Jacques Doucet
1924 - 1994
Per Kirkeby (1938 - 2018)
Per Kirkeby
1938 - 2018
Renato Paresce (1886 - 1937)
Renato Paresce
1886 - 1937
Klaus Steinmann (1939)
Klaus Steinmann
1939
Louis Van Lint (1909 - 1986)
Louis Van Lint
1909 - 1986
Wolfgang E. Biedermann (1940 - 2008)
Wolfgang E. Biedermann
1940 - 2008
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