Late 20th Century Jan Rithamer Surrealist Painting of Classical Figure With Flute, Bird & Lizard in Gilt Frame

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A captivating surrealist composition attributed to Danish-born artist Jan Rithamer (1944–1995), presented in its original ornate gilt frame.

The painting … Read more A captivating surrealist composition attributed to Danish-born artist Jan Rithamer (1944–1995), presented in its original ornate gilt frame.

The painting depicts a monumental classical figure playing a flute against an atmospheric sky, accompanied by a vivid red-capped bird and green lizard in the foreground. Industrial smokestacks and architectural forms create a striking juxtaposition between the ancient and modern worlds, a theme often explored within surrealist imagery.

Executed with exceptional attention to detail, the work combines soft ethereal coloration with highly rendered figurative elements, creating a dreamlike narrative that shifts with each viewing. The muted palette of celadon, stone, cream, and soft gray allows the brighter accents of the bird and reptile to emerge dramatically against the composition.

The reverse retains a biographical photograph and information sheet identifying the artist as Jan Rithamer, a Copenhagen-born painter who later worked in New York and exhibited at Grand Central Art Galleries. The work remains housed in an ornate gilt frame that complements the painting’s classical references.

An unusual and conversation-worthy statement piece that bridges classical imagery, surrealism, and late twentieth-century figurative art. See less