Original 1959 Abstract Oil Painting by Emil Bisttram – Signed Midcentury Modernist Artwork

This striking, original 1959 abstract oil painting by Emil Bisttram captures the essence of midcentury American modernism with bold strokes of black, white, red, and blue. Painted on panel and set in a refined silver-gilt frame, the piece reflects Bisttram’s unique position at the crossroads of Transcendental abstraction and geometric modernism. As a pivotal figure in American art, Bisttram was instrumental in introducing avant-garde ideas to the Southwest and co-founded the Transcendentalist Painting Group in 1938.

Known for his exploration of the “cosmic” through non-objective aesthetics, this particular work exemplifies his mature style—where energy, movement, and structure are held in dynamic balance. Museum-held and highly collectible, Bisttram’s works are part of major public collections, including the Smithsonian American Art Museum and the Harwood Museum of Art. This signed original is a rare opportunity to own a powerful piece of midcentury abstract expressionist history.