Robert Combas, a renowned figure on the modern French art scene, paved his way through his vivid and expressive style. In his paintings, he usually uses very bright colors, energetic brushstrokes, and an incredible unedited feeling that involves everyone around the world. Among his striking works, “The Great Romantic Landscape” perfectly demonstrates the artist’s blend of romanticism and modernity, resulting in a stunning visual treat.
Who was Robert Combas?
Robert Combas, one of the most prominent French contemporary artists, came into the limelight in the 1980s as a cornerstone contributor to the Figuration Libre movement. On May 25, 1957, in Lyon, France, a boy named Combas was born in a family where art was highly respected. He attended the École des Beaux-Arts in Montpellier, where he cultivated his distinctive style marked by vivid colors, incisive strokes, and a sense of immediacy in rendering figures.
FUN FACT: Robert Combas once collaborated with the legendary French fashion designer Jean-Charles de Castelbajac. Their collaboration resulted in a unique project where Combas created artwork for a line of clothing designed by Castelbajac.
His Career
The Figuration Libre movement emerged in 1980s simultaneously with Combas together with Hervé Di Rosa, Rémi Blanchard and François Boisrond. Instead of adopting contemporary art of intellectualism and minimalism they rejected, they embraced a more expressive and colorful style. They traced the influence from graffiti, comics, and famous culture.
During his long career, Combas has shown a lot of different subjects and they most of the time were the scenes of everyday life but with an atmosphere of immense chaos and life. His paintings are well known for their vivid colors, dynamic compositions and unrestrained brush strokes, in keeping with his fascination with the human condition and the complexities of the modern world.
What is Happening in The Great Romantic Landscape?
| Artist | Robert Combas |
| Date Created | 1991 |
| Medium | Oil on canvas |
| Genre | Contemporary Art, Figurative Painting |
| Period | Postmodernism |
| Dimensions | 260 cm × 325 cm (102 in × 128 in) |
| Series/Versions | N/A |
| Where is it housed? | Private Collection |
Romans” -“the Great Romantic landscape” indicates the ability of Combas to merge the classical tradition with modernism. Seen in 1991 the artwork itself runs over the frame and sucks the viewers in to the prosperous and emotional kingdom under the brush. The painting initially seems to be a crazed one, with spinning forms, dynamic bodies exhibiting a tallarium of colors uniting in a restless cacophony.
In the midst of the frenzy though, some motives are recognizable, which indicate a story combining romance, mythology and everyday life. Figures that resemble the Greek gods and goddesses dancing with the mere mortals leaving the distinction between the mythic and the ordinary out of focus. Combas’ strokes are resolute and impressionistic, which makes every character lifelike and art-filled.
Interesting Facts about “The Great Romantic Landscape”
Combas drew inspiration from a diverse range of sources, including literature, music, and mythology, infusing his work with layers of meaning and symbolism.
The painting reflects Combas’ belief in art as a form of liberation, a means of transcending societal norms and expressing the depths of human experience.
Despite its chaotic appearance, “The Great Romantic Landscape” is meticulously composed, with each element contributing to the overall harmony and balance of the composition.
Artwork Spotlight: Procession de fous
Another notable artwork by Combas is “Procession de fous” (Procession of Fools), which delves into themes of madness and folly with a similar exuberance and vigor.
Are you looking for a masterpiece from Robert Combas?
Singulart presents exclusive limited edition pieces by Robert Combas. To discover and acquire Combas’ art, click on the artwork or the button below for more information!
Conclusion
Robert Combas’ “The Great Romantic Landscape” is undoubtedly one of his masterpieces, symbolizing his vast imagination and artistic effectiveness. With his moving brush work and vivid imagery, Combas takes us on a trip to that world where the passion and emotions have an overriding rule. As one of the main artists of the Figuration Libre movement, Combas is not only a name that brings new blood to art but also exhilarates viewers with his powerful imagery.
