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Herbert MEARS Original Oil Painting - Houston Texas Modernist - Mid Century Cafe Scene
Herbert "Herb" Mears (1923–1999). This 12" …
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Herbert MEARS Original Oil Painting - Houston Texas Modernist - Mid Century Cafe Scene
Herbert "Herb" Mears (1923–1999). This 12" x 24" oil on board features a vibrant, architectural street scene—a quintessential "Cafe" motif that represents the artist's most desirable subject matter.
The painting showcases Mears' signature "stacked" vertical composition and a bold, fiery palette of vermillion reds, golden ochres, and deep ambers. The thick, textured impasto application gives the building facades a sculptural quality that is a hallmark of his best mid-career work.
HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE
Mears’ style was forged in post-war Paris at the Atelier Léger, where he studied under the Cubist master Fernand Léger. This influence is unmistakable in the geometric rhythmic patterns of the windows and the structured, "Tubist" lines of the architecture. Upon moving to Houston in 1951, Mears became a titan of the local art scene, winning the MFAH Purchase Prize and teaching at Rice University and the Museum of Fine Arts.
DETAILS
• Signature: Hand-signed "mears" in the artist's iconic block lettering (lower left).
• Dimensions: Artwork measures 12" x 24".
• Frame: Housed in its original mid-century 20”x32” gold-leaf wood frame with a period-authentic linen/burlap mat.
• Condition: Excellent vintage condition. The paint is stable with high color saturation. The frame shows minor age-appropriate wear to the gilding, consistent with a well-preserved gallery piece from the 1960s.
COLLECTOR'S NOTE
While Mears was prolific, his "hot-toned" cafe scenes are increasingly difficult to find, as most examples are held in permanent private collections in the Texas region. This piece is a "Ready-to-Hang" investment for any collector of the Houston School or fans of Mid-Century Modern design.
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- Dimensions
- 12ʺW × 4ʺD × 24ʺH
- Styles
- Cubism
- Mid-Century Modern
- Frame Type
- Framed
- Art Subjects
- Cityscape
- Period
- 1960s
- Country of Origin
- United States
- Item Type
- Vintage, Antique or Pre-owned
- Materials
- Oil Paint
- Wood
- Condition
- Good Condition, Original Condition Unaltered, Some Imperfections
- Color
- Amber
- Condition Notes
- Painting is in excellent shape, shows some signs of wear from age. Painting is in excellent shape, shows some signs of wear from age. less
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