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Pierre
Soulages

Pierre Soulages is known for his influence on abstract painting, particularly his signature Outrenoir technique that explores the depth and texture of the colour black. If you’re looking for original Pierre Soulages prints and editions for sale or would like to sell, request a complimentary valuation and browse our network’s most in-demand works.

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Biography

Born in 1919 in Rodez, France, Pierre Soulages is a pivotal figure in post-war abstract painting. From an early age, he showed an affinity for the arts, leading to his eventual focus on the complexities of light and dark in his paintings. Soulages' innovative approach to using thick black paint to create varied textures and light effects has earned him international acclaim. His commitment to exploring the possibilities of a single colour, black, has been both a hallmark of his style and a philosophical exploration of the depths of colour and form. This singular focus has not only set Soulages apart but has also established him as a modern master in exploring the emotive power of colour.

Soulages' journey is marked by continuous innovation and a deepening exploration of the colour black, which he describes as outrenoir or beyond black. This exploration has seen him focus on light and texture, creating paintings that transform under different lighting conditions. His large-scale, monochromatic works have been exhibited in major art institutions worldwide, reflecting his status as an artist who consistently pushes the boundaries of abstract painting.

Soulages' unique approach to painting, focusing on the textural qualities of black paint, has influenced a generation of artists and designers, redefining the way black is used in art. His work not only challenges viewers' perceptions of colour and space but also invites a contemplative engagement with the canvas, making each viewing experience unique. His contributions to the art world extend beyond his paintings, as he has been a vital figure in the evolution of abstract art in the post-war era.

An abstract painting with bold black brushstrokes arranged in angular patterns, obscuring and revealing parts of the red background beneath, creating a dramatic interplay of light and shadow.

Peinture 195 x 130cm, 4 Août 1961 © Pierre Soulages 1961

1. £12.9M for Pierre Soulages's Peinture 195 x 130cm, 4 Août 1961

Soulages' current auction record was set at Sotheby's New York in November 2021 by Peinture 185 x 130cm, 4 Août 1961 (1961), when it achieved over 150% of its high estimate. The sale marked the painting’s first appearance since its last purchase in 1989. Its monumental size is typical of Soulages' mature style, as are its bold black brushstrokes with red undertones creating a dynamic interplay of light and shadow. The work was created during a pivotal year in Soulages' career, following his first retrospective at Museum Folkwang in Essen, West Germany in 1960, which then travelled to the Gemeentemuseum in The Hague and the Kunsthaus in Zürich amidst growing international recognition. Its successful sale marked a significant milestone in Soulages' market, surpassing his previous record by more than £5M and cementing his position among the most commercially significant post-war European artists.

An abstract painting with thick black brushstrokes layered over a red underpainting. The canvas along the top and bottom is left bare.

Peinture 186 x 143cm, 23 Décembre 1959 © Pierre Soulages 1959

2. £7.2M for Pierre Soulages's Peinture 186 x 143cm, 23 Décembre 1959

This oil painting achieved its impressive result at Christie's New York in November 2018, and captures Soulages' sophisticated exploration of gesture and scale at the height of his creative powers. His use of black paint takes on an almost sculptural quality, with dynamic zones of light, dark, and colour. The painting’s strong performance at auction is also reflective of its interesting provenance: it was acquired directly from the artist upon completion and has remained in private collections without public exhibition ever since. As a result, its appearance at auction in 2018 was an exciting moment for Soulages collectors.

An abstract painting with thick black brushstrokes layered over a pale background, revealing glimpses of golden ochre tones beneath, creating dramatic contrasts and light effects.

Peinture 200 x 162cm, 14 Mars 1960 © Pierre Soulages 1960

3. £6.8M for Pierre Soulages's Peinture 200 x 162cm, 14 Mars 1960

Selling at Tajan Paris in November 2019, this large-scale canvas from 1960 represents one of Soulages' most compelling explorations of his signature black palette. The work showcases his revolutionary approach to abstraction, with thick, gestural brushstrokes creating a complex network of light-reflecting and light-absorbing surfaces. This painting was created during a particularly productive period when Soulages was experimenting with increasingly bold architectural compositions. Its exhibition history includes museums and galleries in Texas, Tokyo, Paris, and Berlin from the 1960s to the 1990s. Its impressive scale and dramatic presence exemplify the characteristics that would later influence his development of the Outrenoir (beyond black) series, though this work predates that development by nearly two decades.

An abstract painting with short, vertical black brushstrokes against a pale background in the lower half and horizontal bands of black across against a red underpainting in the upper half.

Peinture 146 x 114cm, 6 Mars 1960 © Pierre Soulages 1960