Victor Kalin , Steamy Romance Lovers Embrace in Bed - Mid Century Paperback, 1959

Mid-century Artist Victory Kalin was too good an artist for his paperback assignments. He was as much a virtuoso graphic designer as an illustrator. The present work exemplifies his talents as he depicts a peak moment of steamy drama with only a few elements. The disposition of the figures is masterfully arranged as two intersecting semi-circles. The female's fingers dig into her lover's back, elevating the narrative's tension. We see the couple's embrace through a cast iron headboard. It is rendered in a punchy bright yellow, complementing the deep cobalt blue background. Most pleasing is the headboard's abstract shape, which frames the composition. In person, the colors are flat and hyper-vibrant, perhaps reflecting the simplification of major art movements of the time Abstract Expressionism and Color Field Painting. Faintly signed lower right. The work is professionally matted to 20 x 16 and not framed. Condition is mint.
Victor Kalin, American, 1919–2010
Ink, Gouache on Illustration Board
15.75 - 11.50 inches
US$12,000 Plus shipping