Ponti Art Gallery is interested in buying and selling works
of art by this artist.
Leone Minassian Biography
Leone Minassian was an Italian painter and printmaker of Armenian descent, whose work stands as a significant representation of European post-war abstract painting. Born Levon Zaki Minasyan on May 8, 1905, in Constantinople, Ottoman Empire, to Armenian parents, Minassian's early life was steeped in a rich cultural and intellectual environment. His mother, Iskouhi Minas, was a writer, and his father, Zhan Minasyan, was the editor of the French periodical "Patri." This background undoubtedly influenced Minassian's artistic development from a young age.
Minassian began painting in his youth and pursued formal art education at the Accademia di Belle Arti di Venezia. His studies were complemented by the tutelage of several notable artists, including Leonardo De Mango in Constantinople, Albert Mille in France, Axerl Jarl in Naples, and Alessandro Milesi in Venice. These diverse influences helped shape Minassian's early artistic style, which initially drew from futurism, surrealism, and the metaphysical art of Giorgio De Chirico.
Throughout his career, Minassian was closely associated with other prominent artists, such as Alberto Viani, Giuseppe Santomaso, Giorgio Morandi, and Jean Arp. This circle of friends and contemporaries played a crucial role in the evolution of his artistic language, particularly after the turmoil of World War II. It was during this period that Minassian found his unique painterly voice, characterized by intertwined, plant-like shapes and bodies in diverse colors, which garnered international attention.
Minassian's art began to receive recognition in the late 1950s and early 1960s. He participated in significant group exhibitions, including the II. documenta in Kassel in 1959 and the Venice Biennale in 1961. His work is part of the collection at the Ca' Pesaro art museum in Venice, where it continues to be admired by art enthusiasts and scholars alike.
Despite his success, Minassian's life was not without challenges. Born into an empire that would soon be engulfed by the Armenian Genocide, his family's move to Venice was likely a search for safety and stability. Venice, where Minassian lived for over 40 years, became his adopted home and the backdrop for his artistic endeavors. The city's rich artistic heritage and vibrant cultural scene provided fertile ground for his creativity to flourish.
Minassian's early art, influenced by various avant-garde movements, evolved into a style that was both abstract and deeply personal. His pictures often featured complex compositions with a dreamlike quality, reflecting his interest in the subconscious and the mystical. The use of color in his work was particularly striking, with a palette that could be both bold and subtle, reflecting the emotional depth and complexity of his subjects.
Throughout his career, Minassian remained deeply connected to his Armenian heritage, which informed his artistic identity and the themes he explored in his work. His art serves as a bridge between his ancestral culture and his experiences in the broader European context, creating a dialogue between the past and the present, the personal and the universal.
Leone Minassian's contributions to the art world extend beyond his paintings and prints. He was part of a generation of artists who sought to redefine the boundaries of art in the aftermath of war and upheaval. His work is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the enduring power of artistic expression.
Minassian passed away in 1978 in Venice, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire and influence artists and art lovers. His life's work stands as a poignant reminder of the rich cultural tapestry that defines the human experience and the transformative power of art to capture and communicate our deepest emotions and aspirations.
Leone Minassian Quotes and
Sales of Works
Ponti Art Gallery selects and deals with paintings by the
artist. Upon request, we provide free estimates and
evaluations, communicate prices, quotations, and current
market values.
If you are interested in BUYING or SELLING works by the
artist, contact us immediately.
If you wish to sell or receive an evaluation of the
works:
Send us a frontal photo of the painting, one of the back,
and one of the signature. Also, indicate the dimensions of
the work. Inform us about the purchase origin of the work
and any kind of available documentation (purchase
receipts, certificates of authenticity, publications). One
of our operators will respond to you on the same day. We
guarantee maximum confidentiality and extreme
professionalism.
If you wish to purchase works by the painter: Contact us
and let us know your request. We will inform you about the
available works. We also offer the possibility to
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informed at the beginning of each month about the latest
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