Aba-Novák Vilmos (1894–1941)

Horizontal layout composition with a crowded market scene. In the foreground, there is an animal market: a multitude of peasant figures engaged in lively dialogue and bargaining around white and multicolored cattle, pigs, and sheep. In the middle space, darker, brownish-gray blocks organize the crowd; the characters appear with simplified yet distinctive head and hand gestures. In the background, there is a low horizon, a band of tents and buildings, above them a cool, purplish-blue sky in dimming light. The color palette is based on earth tones (umbra, burnt sienna) and cold blues; at times, prominent, vibrant reds and cobalt blues create a rhythm within the crowd. The brushwork is decisive, working with pasty patches and hard contours; light and shadow are organized more with tone strips than with detailed modeling. Iconographic and costume elements evoke the rural markets of Hungary between the two world wars. Overall impression: a monumental, decorative, expressive-realistic work of art.

Provenance:

The painting has a certificate from the Virág Judit Gallery and Auction House, along with auction verification.

HUNGARIAN ART GALLERY - a masterpiece from a private collection