Skip to main content
Want more images or videos?
Request additional images or videos from the seller
1 of 12

1967 Mid-Century Modern Abstract Mixed Media Signed by Erwin Bechtold

$5,750
£4,341.06
€4,980.07
CA$8,026.69
A$8,740.30
CHF 4,624.08
MX$105,404.75
NOK 58,834.16
SEK 53,786.80
DKK 37,193.19

About the Item

This original mixed-media work on paper by Erwin Bechtold (1925–2022) dates from 1967, a key period in the artist’s mature practice. Executed in watercolor and pencil with cut-out paper elements, the composition reflects Bechtold’s sustained exploration of organic abstraction and reductive form during the late 1960s. The restrained, linear motif suggests a biomorphic or anatomical reference, rendered with economy of line and subtle tonal variation. The use of collage introduces a quiet spatial tension, emphasizing balance, negative space, and material presence—hallmarks of Bechtold’s postwar European abstraction. Modest in scale yet conceptually strong, the square format (22.5 × 22.5 cm) invites close viewing and rewards contemplation. The work is signed and dated “67” by the artist and bears a handwritten dedication in German (see photos), reinforcing its authenticity and historical placement. The inscription reads: “Für Walther und Ursel in Freundschaft Erinnerung an April 1967 Erwin” Translated into English, this reads: “For Walther and Ursel, in friendship In memory of April 1967 Erwin” Such personal dedications are characteristic of Bechtold’s works on paper from this period and add historical and relational depth without detracting from the formal strength of the composition. The artwork is presented in a sober, understated frame with generous matting, allowing the composition to breathe visually while enhancing its presence on the wall. It has been sourced in Alsace, France, near the German border, a region historically connected to the cultural exchanges that shaped Bechtold’s European career. Works from this period are increasingly sought after by collectors for their clarity, restraint, and connection to broader modernist movements in postwar Europe. This piece stands as an intimate and refined example of Bechtold’s work on paper from the height of his artistic development. This artwork is in good vintage condition overall. The paper remains stable and well preserved, with fresh line work and intact collage elements. There is one small, localized spot of foxing, consistent with age and typical for works on paper from this period. The artwork has been framed, matted and glazed, which has contributed to its preservation. The artwork is sold in its original dual-toned (black and silver) wooden frame. The frame shows age-appropriate wear (see photos). The piece presents cleanly and is ready for display. Dimension: height 52.5 cm/ 20 2/3", width 47.5 cm/ 18 3/4", depth 2 cm/ 3/4". Weight: 2046 g/ 4.51 lb Artist Biography — Erwin Bechtold (1925–2022) Erwin Bechtold was a German-born abstract artist whose career spanned more than six decades. Born in Cologne in 1925, he began his artistic training in Germany before continuing his studies in France, where he notably worked in the studio of Fernand Léger. This early experience had a lasting influence on his approach to form, structure, and abstraction. Bechtold developed a distinctive visual language rooted in postwar European modernism, characterized by organic forms, disciplined line, and a restrained, contemplative use of space. From the 1950s onward, he was closely associated with the artistic milieu of Ibiza, where he lived and worked for many years and became an important figure in the island’s international avant-garde scene. His work has been exhibited widely across Europe, including in Germany, Spain, and France, and is held in both public and private collections. Notable exhibitions and institutional presentations include venues such as the Museu d’Art Contemporani d’Eivissa, as well as museums and galleries dedicated to postwar and contemporary art in Germany and Spain.
  • Dimensions:
    Height: 20.67 in (52.5 cm)Width: 18.71 in (47.5 cm)Depth: 0.79 in (2 cm)
  • Style:
    Mid-Century Modern (Of the Period)
  • Materials and Techniques:
    Paper,Découpage,Hand-Painted
  • Place of Origin:
  • Period:
  • Date of Manufacture:
    1967
  • Condition:
    Wear consistent with age and use.
  • Seller Location:
    COLMAR, FR
  • Reference Number:
    1stDibs: LU8190248115142

More From This Seller

View All
Mid-Century Framed Lithograph by French Artist N. Chabrier Signed and Numbered
Located in COLMAR, FR
A striking and colorful, original lithograph signed and numbered by French artist, Nathalie Chabrier (born 1932). The lithograph is not dated but most likely dates from the 1950s/ear...
Category

Vintage 1950s European Mid-Century Modern Contemporary Art

Materials

Glass, Wood, Paper

Early 20th Century French Original Painting by Post-Impressionist Brun-Sirdey
Located in COLMAR, FR
A magnificent, original painting of Paris in the early 1900s. This colorful, post-impressionist gauche is signed by painter Brun-Sirdey in the lower left corner (see photo). It featu...
Category

Early 20th Century French Post-Modern Paintings

Materials

Paint, Paper

Mid-Century Swiss Framed Pastel Drawing of Nude by Julie Schätzle
Located in COLMAR, FR
A beautiful, nude pastel drawing by Swiss artist Julie Schätzle (1903-1996). The drawing, executed on thick paper, comes in its original wood frame. Signed by the artist (see photo)...
Category

Vintage 1960s Swiss Modern Drawings

Materials

Paper

Pencil Sketch of Female Nudes by Swiss Artist René Bernasconi Dated 1952
Located in COLMAR, FR
An original, drawing/sketch by Swiss artist René Bernasconi (1910-1994). This small sketch features two nude women and is signed RB and dated -52 in the lower left corner (see photos...
Category

Vintage 1950s Swiss Mid-Century Modern Drawings

Materials

Paper, Wood

Mid-Century French Original Oil Painting on Stretched Canvas of Still-Life
Located in COLMAR, FR
A wonderful example of a vintage, mid-century still-life: a soft, harmonious color-scheme and a natural subject that has, together with the background, been interpreted in a graphic ...
Category

Vintage 1950s French Mid-Century Modern Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Hardwood

1930s French Original Still-Life on Stretched Canvas by Rodolphe Fogé 1890-1976
Located in COLMAR, FR
A wonderful still-life by French painter Rodolpe Fogé (1890-1976). He lived and worked in the Alsace region in north-eastern France and is mostly known for his local landscape painti...
Category

Early 20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Paintings

Materials

Fabric, Canvas, Wood, Paint

You May Also Like

1960s Modern Abstract Artwork
Located in New York, NY
1960s modern abstract artwork. This piece was purchased in a gallery in Paris in 1981.
Category

20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Decorative Art

Materials

Paper

Stanley Stangren, Modernist Abstract Mixed-Media Collage, circa 1964
By Stanley R. Stangren
Located in New York, NY
Dimensions: Unframed: 11-1/2 x 8-1/16 inches Framed: 17-1/8 x 12-7/8 inches Signed by the artist and dated ’64 in the lower right corner; inscribed in German: Zurich, Schweitz (Zurich, Switzerland) This unique work of art is a mixed-media collage on paper, where the artist had generously used his own pencil, gouache and watercolor drawing with a print cut-outs. Stanley R. Stangren (1928–2014) was an outstanding American jeweler, artist, sculptor and ceramist, residing in New York City. He worked in different styles and in different materials, including oils, watercolor, ceramic and stone sculptures; and fine jewelry. Stangren’s painting styles varied tremendously – from complete abstract works to Holocaust themes in the style of Georges Rouault and Hieronymus Bosch to portraits in the style of Moses and Raphael Soyer. He was also a passionate lover of the performing arts, and, as a young man, spent time studying dance at both the School of American Ballet and with Martha Graham. Although he worked with dance pioneers like Ms. Graham, Anna Sokolow and Charles Weidman, an injury prevented him from pursuing dance as a career. But he found other outlets for his artistic pursuits. In his youth, Stangrem attended the Brooklyn Museum School of Art, and graduated from the High School of Music and Art in New York City. He later studied at the Boston Museum of Fine Arts, the Art Students League, Bard Colledge and in Europe. Stangren studied jewelry design in Europe, attending Staatlische Kunst Werkschule in Pforzheim, Germany and Kunstgewerbeschule der Stadt in Zurich, Switzerland. His jewelry and designs were received with great success. His combination of precious and semi-precious stones, high-karat gold and sterling silver, and exotic materials executed with outstanding workmanship in the abstract modernist style gave a unique aspect to his designs, the metalwork usually electroformed, cast, or fused in varying textures. After returning to New York in the later 1950s, Stangren opened and maintained a ceramic business in Trenton, New Jersey. Very few pieces of his work remain from this period. When he retired from the ceramics business, he spent much of his time enjoying the arts. He frequently attended Juilliard performances, including most of the opera and drama presentations at the School, and was especially fond of the dance concerts. The last 40 years of his life, he taught painting in the New York area and worked with Metropolitan Museum of Arts in developing annuities, for future acquisitions. In addition, Stangren left annuities for MoMa in support of educational programs and left, in his will or through his executors, art supplies for the Harlem School of Art and benefits for the Urban Assembly organization. Mr. Stangren's love for the arts and for the performances he was seeing at Juilliard inspired him to take his participation a step further and to establish charitable gift annuities with the School. "I realized what Juilliard offered me, being a passionate music lover, and I decided to give something back" he said. "What Juilliard achieves is remarkable. When I think of the prominent actors, dancers and musicians that have been educated there, I am always staggered. It is deeply financially satisfying to be able to give back to the School, while benefitting from it at the same time." The Juilliard School is not the only organization that Stanley Stangren...
Category

Vintage 1960s Swiss Mid-Century Modern Paintings

Materials

Paper

Mid Century Modern Abstract Impressionist Mixed Media C1968
Located in Big Flats, NY
Mid Century Modern Abstract Impressionist Mixed Media Print on Paper Signed by Sharie Jones C1968 Measures - 31.5" X 25.5" A captivating mid-century modern abstract impressionist mix...
Category

20th Century Mid-Century Modern Prints

Materials

Paper

Framed Abstract Mixed Media Art
Located in Seattle, WA
Framed Abstract mixed media art Dimensions. 34 1/4 W ; 48 H ; 1 D.
Category

Vintage 1970s Mid-Century Modern Decorative Art

Materials

Glass, Wood

Framed Abstract Mixed Media Art
$1,496 Sale Price
20% Off
Vintage Frank Walcutt Mixed Media Abstract Painting, 1970s
By Frank Walcutt
Located in Miami, FL
Vintage Frank Walcott mixed media abstract painting, 1970s Offered for sale is a 1970s Mid-Century Modern Frank Walcott mixed media abstract 3-dimens...
Category

Vintage 1970s North American Mid-Century Modern Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Wood, Driftwood, Paint

Abstract Lithograph in the style of Margaret Neill
Located in Miami, FL
Original midcentury abstract lithograph signed P.Z and numbered 8/75, in the style of Margaret Neill. This limited edition and interes...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Mid-Century Modern Contemporary Art

Materials

Paper