Vintage Mid-Century Modern Abstract Painting by Saul Steinlauf, c.1960’s

Composition of layered forms, expressive lines, and rich tones of green, turquoise, ochre, red, and black. Created in mixed media on board, the work demonstrates Steinlauf’s expressive approach to abstraction through textured passages, gestural markings, and overlapping fields of color. The energetic composition creates a wonderful sense of depth and movement while retaining the organic, painterly character associated with mid-century abstraction. The painting itself remains in good original vintage condition, while the surrounding border and frame exhibit considerably more age-related patina, surface wear, and losses consistent with their age. Signed by the artist and retaining its original Martin Lowitz gallery label, the work offers an impressive decorative presence alongside a fascinating connection to the Los Angeles art scene of the mid-20th century.

Fun Historical Fact Saul Steinlauf was a Philadelphia-born American artist whose career included studies in Paris as well as significant periods working in Southern California and Mexico. Although this painting reveals his more abstract and experimental side, Steinlauf was also associated with Social Realism, giving his body of work an interesting range between representational subjects and expressive abstraction. His work appeared in California exhibitions during the mid-20th century, including exhibitions associated with the California Water Color Society and Los Angeles art institutions. This painting’s surviving Martin Lowitz gallery label adds particularly interesting provenance, connecting it to a prominent Los Angeles art dealer who became known during the 1950s for supplying original modern artwork to collectors, hotels, businesses, and Hollywood interiors.