Richard Kooyman’s Dawn with arms of roses…. collection
A series of figural and garden paintings exploring the fullness of the Italian allure by Richard Kooyman.
Inspired by Roman wall frescoes and Renaissance paintings, these works converse with antiquity and investigate the purpose of defining beauty over the centuries.
Bathers, 18in x 24in - $2,600
Two Figures in the Green, 36in x 48in - $6,500
Bathers at the Stream, 18in x 24in - $2,600
Bestia, 36in x 52in - $6,500
Lemon Grove, 48in x 48in - $8,300
Red Bird, 49in x 44in - $7,500
New Garden, 48in x 52in - $8,800
Paradise, 40in x 40in - $6,200
Five Birds in the Garden, 36in x 60in - $8,000
Figure, 20in x 16in - $2,400
Italian Morning, 44in x 58in - $7,500
"I went to Italy to study beauty. I was both enticed and bewildered. I stood mesmerized in front of an Italian Renaissance painting by Botticelli and was struck at just how old an art object this was. Where did this idea of beauty come from? Everywhere I looked, I saw layers of antiquity and pursuits for happiness.
I became curious how ancient philosophical ideas of beauty felt relevant to me today. Why do I feel so connected to these figures in a painting? What is it about a classical sculpture that feels human and purposeful?
Keats called it truth. Sappho called it love.
The Roman and Renaissance painters considered birds, animals, figures, plant life, and weather central to their paintings. It would appear they lived or wanted to live in one big garden. The human vitality in their paintings, their architecture, sculptures, and gardens inspired me to reimagine my own contemporary play on myths and the ideologies of truth, beauty, and love.”
— Richard Kooyman