Ivan Puni (Jean Pougny)

Dr Maurice Sansot, Toulon

H.Berninger and J.-A. Cartier, Pougny, Catalogue de l’oeuvre, vol.2, Tübingen: Ernst Wasmuth, 1992, p.207 illustrated and listed

‘One characteristic of Puni which is of particular importance is the type of canvas he used to execute his paintings. Puni never used new canvases, preferring old ones, of which he always kept a reserve under the carpets in his studio. From 1937 onwards, he chose aged canvases, often cracked and worn, even revealing their weave, which he patiently prepared secretly before beginning to paint. It was then that he also got into the habit of mounting his paintings on wood and especially on masonite, by a secret procedure that gave stability and permanent protection to his works, which he always had framed under glass. The warm and precious material paired with the superimposition of the layers and Puni’s play with the imperfections and accidents of his canvases gives his paintings their inimitable dreamy atmosphere, successfully reflecting his inner emotions.’ (H.Berninger and J.-A. Cartier, Pougny, Catalogue de l’oeuvre, vol.1, Tübingen: Ernst Wasmuth, 1972, pp. 86-87)