Face in Clouds, Landré (active 20th c.), c.1970s, oil on canvas, 24×30 in, signed lower right.
A luminous surreal oil on canvas depicting a serene female face emerging from golden and olive-toned clouds—Face in Clouds by Landré, signed, 24×30 inches, mid-to-late 20th century figurative dreamscape.
Artwork Description
Face in Clouds presents a frontal female visage suspended within an atmospheric field of golden ochres and olive greens. Unlike the previous angled composition, this example is symmetrical and direct—the subject gazes forward with calm intensity, her features softly illuminated as if emerging from mist. The surrounding cloud forms are layered in warm honey tones, muted sage, and pale cream, creating a luminous, enveloping environment.
The surface and edges confirm the work is oil on unstretched canvas. The pigment saturation, subtle blending, and feathered transitions are consistent with oil technique. Light scumbling and delicate glazing produce a soft-focus effect that enhances the dreamlike quality. The handling suggests a painter comfortable with portrait construction and tonal modulation.
Stylistically, the painting aligns with romantic or poetic surrealism popular in the 1960s–1980s. Rather than dramatic or symbolic surrealism, Landré’s approach is atmospheric and contemplative. The face appears to dissolve into sky and vapor, evoking themes of transcendence, inner vision, and the merging of identity with nature.
The work is signed “Landré” lower right. The canvas retains original margins and shows characteristics of studio-stretched preparation.
Artist Biography
Landré (active 20th century) is an attributed painter associated with dreamlike figurative compositions that merge classical portrait structure with atmospheric surrealism. While the surname “Landré” appears in earlier European art records, the stylistic qualities of this work—mid-century palette, romantic surreal mood, and oil handling—indicate a later 20th-century artist working within a poetic figurative tradition.
The artist demonstrates academic understanding of facial anatomy and light modeling. The portraits are not caricatured or stylized; rather, they are carefully constructed and then enveloped in diffused cloud formations. This balance of realism and imagination situates Landré within a broader lineage of visionary and romantic surreal painters active in the mid-to-late 20th century.
The consistent subject matter—faces emerging from clouds—suggests a thematic series or exploration of psychological atmosphere. The technical execution reflects confidence in oil as a medium, particularly in glazing and controlled tonal layering.
Although comprehensive biographical documentation remains limited, the body of work indicates a cohesive artistic vision centered on introspection, serenity, and ethereal presence.
Landré (attributed, active 20th century)
Face in Clouds, c.1970s
Oil on canvas; signed lower right
24 × 30 inches (61 × 76 cm)
Romantic surreal portrait in atmospheric cloudscape.
Certificate of Authentication
Artist: Landré (attributed; active 20th century)
Title: Face in Clouds
Date: c.1970s (approximate)
Medium: Oil on canvas
Dimensions: 24 × 30 inches
Signature: Signed lower right
Edition: Unique original painting
Provenance:
Mitch Morse Gallery, New York City
Acquired by Mitch Morse Gallery through purchases in New York City, United States and Europe
Artfind Gallery, Washington, DC (current owner)
Condition
Good vintage condition. Unstretched canvas with original margins visible. Minor edge wear and light surface marks consistent with age and storage. No visible punctures or significant paint loss observed in provided images. Professional conservation review recommended for formal appraisal.
Provenance Chain (Collector Format)
Artfind Gallery, Washington, DC (current owner)
Mitch Morse Gallery, New York City
Acquired by Mitch Morse Gallery in New York City, United States and Europe
Face in Clouds, Landré (active 20th c.), c.1970s, oil on canvas, 24×30 in, signed lower right.
A luminous surreal oil on canvas depicting a serene female face emerging from golden and olive-toned clouds—Face in Clouds by Landré, signed, 24×30 inches, mid-to-late 20th century figurative dreamscape.
Artwork Description
Face in Clouds presents a frontal female visage suspended within an atmospheric field of golden ochres and olive greens. Unlike the previous angled composition, this example is symmetrical and direct—the subject gazes forward with calm intensity, her features softly illuminated as if emerging from mist. The surrounding cloud forms are layered in warm honey tones, muted sage, and pale cream, creating a luminous, enveloping environment.
The surface and edges confirm the work is oil on unstretched canvas. The pigment saturation, subtle blending, and feathered transitions are consistent with oil technique. Light scumbling and delicate glazing produce a soft-focus effect that enhances the dreamlike quality. The handling suggests a painter comfortable with portrait construction and tonal modulation.
Stylistically, the painting aligns with romantic or poetic surrealism popular in the 1960s–1980s. Rather than dramatic or symbolic surrealism, Landré’s approach is atmospheric and contemplative. The face appears to dissolve into sky and vapor, evoking themes of transcendence, inner vision, and the merging of identity with nature.
The work is signed “Landré” lower right. The canvas retains original margins and shows characteristics of studio-stretched preparation.
Artist Biography
Landré (active 20th century) is an attributed painter associated with dreamlike figurative compositions that merge classical portrait structure with atmospheric surrealism. While the surname “Landré” appears in earlier European art records, the stylistic qualities of this work—mid-century palette, romantic surreal mood, and oil handling—indicate a later 20th-century artist working within a poetic figurative tradition.
The artist demonstrates academic understanding of facial anatomy and light modeling. The portraits are not caricatured or stylized; rather, they are carefully constructed and then enveloped in diffused cloud formations. This balance of realism and imagination situates Landré within a broader lineage of visionary and romantic surreal painters active in the mid-to-late 20th century.
The consistent subject matter—faces emerging from clouds—suggests a thematic series or exploration of psychological atmosphere. The technical execution reflects confidence in oil as a medium, particularly in glazing and controlled tonal layering.
Although comprehensive biographical documentation remains limited, the body of work indicates a cohesive artistic vision centered on introspection, serenity, and ethereal presence.
Landré (attributed, active 20th century)
Face in Clouds, c.1970s
Oil on canvas; signed lower right
24 × 30 inches (61 × 76 cm)
Romantic surreal portrait in atmospheric cloudscape.
Certificate of Authentication
Artist: Landré (attributed; active 20th century)
Title: Face in Clouds
Date: c.1970s (approximate)
Medium: Oil on canvas
Dimensions: 24 × 30 inches
Signature: Signed lower right
Edition: Unique original painting
Provenance:
Mitch Morse Gallery, New York City
Acquired by Mitch Morse Gallery through purchases in New York City, United States and Europe
Artfind Gallery, Washington, DC (current owner)
Condition
Good vintage condition. Unstretched canvas with original margins visible. Minor edge wear and light surface marks consistent with age and storage. No visible punctures or significant paint loss observed in provided images. Professional conservation review recommended for formal appraisal.
Provenance Chain (Collector Format)
Artfind Gallery, Washington, DC (current owner)
Mitch Morse Gallery, New York City
Acquired by Mitch Morse Gallery in New York City, United States and Europe
