Paul Feiler (1918 – 2013) was a German-born artist who was a prominent member of the St Ives School of art: he has pictures hanging in major art galleries across the world.
Paul Feiler (1918-2013), Italian Town, Spring, 1955
Signed and dated; further signed, inscribed with title and dated 20.2.55(verso)
In original frame (also signed)
Board,18 x 26in (46 x 70 cm)
Collections: Acquired by Mr Keith Steadman in the late 1950’s and thence by descent until Bonhams November 18, 2014 lot 156; Private Collection Great Britain; Bonhams, June 22, 2022 lot 13; Christopher Kingzett Fine Art
Feiler’s first one man show at The Redfern in 1953 was a sell-out which enabled him to travel to Italy on the proceeds. He returned the following year re-visiting Tuscany, Venice and The Italian lakes. This picture was done back in Cornwall, and given, as was Feiler’s practice, a particular title - in this instance, the choice of spring informing the picture’s fresh vibrant colouring.
The Italian pictures may have specific titles but they are generic views although as Michael Raeburn writes ‘’Brunelleschi’s dome of Florence Cathedral was a motif of enormous significance for Feiler-the dome in other cities seems to have been no more than stand-ins for his ideal dome’’ (M.Raeburn Paul Feiler 2018 p.45).