Large mid-20th century encaustic (wax) relief painting on board/canvas, depicting two abstracted human figures in a brutalist/modernist style. Heavy textured wax application gives the piece a sculptural, three-dimensional quality. The surface includes areas of drip and built-up wax consistent with encaustic technique.
46.5”W x 61.5”H
Hello, this item is a large mid-20th century encaustic (wax) relief painting on board or canvas, executed in a modernist-brutalist style. The composition depicts two abstracted human figures rendered in heavy wax application, giving the surface a sculptural, three-dimensional quality. The technique shows strong textural buildup with drips and relief, consistent with encaustic methods popular among avant-garde and experimental artists during the postwar period. Measuring 46.5 x 61.5 inches, its scale and material presence make it a commanding wall piece.
From an art market perspective, mid-century encaustic works occupy a niche between painting and sculpture, often associated with modernist experimentation. While unattributed works without an identifiable artist’s name sell more modestly, their value comes from decorative impact and alignment with mid-century brutalist interiors. Auction and gallery comparables for anonymous or studio-based encaustic reliefs of similar scale generally fall between 800 and 2,000 USD, depending on condition, provenance, and visual appeal.