Paul Kelpe Paintings & Artwork for Sale | Paul Kelpe Art Value Price Guide

Oct. 04, 2025
Paul Kelpe, German American (1902 - 1985), geometric abstract, 1936, mixed media on board, 7 1/4"H x 6 1/4"W(sight), 10 1/2"H x 9 1/4"W(frame)
Est: $3,000 - $4,000
Paul Kelpe German American, (1902 - 1985) geometric abstract, 1936 mixed media on board Signed and dated lower right. PROVENANCE: James Cox Gallery, Woodstock, New York Biography from the Archives of askART: A German artist whose signature painting is abstraction based on constructivism, cubism and geometric abstraction, Paul Kelpe was born in Minden, Germany. Art scholar, Joan Marter, has stated that constructions by Kelpe in the late 1920s "were the earliest examples of such work in the United States" . . .(Kennedy 127). Characteristic of constructivism, his pieces were combinations of two and three-dimensional artwork that incorporated found objects. Kelpe studied art in Hanover, Germany and was introduced there to the work of modernist artists such as Wassily Kandinsky, El Lissitsky, Laszlo Moholy-Nagy, Naum Gabo and Kurt Schwitters, a pioneering constructivist. Schwitters was an especially influential artist on Kelpe, but Kelpe did not like the casual, messy paint application methods of Schwitters and adopted a style of carefully applied paint devoid of visible brush strokes within geometric forms Kelpe immigrated to the United States in 1925 and spent several years in New Jersey and New York City and in the early 1930s, settled in Chicago where from 1930 to 1939, he was a WPA (Works Progress Administration) muralist. Then he returned to New York City in the 1940s and 1950s, and from 1969 to 1985, he was in Austin, Texas where he taught at East Texas Teachers College. Working in Chicago, he was puzzling to many persons because of his total dedication to abstraction in an artistic climate still focused on realism. J.Z. Jacobson wrote a compendium of modern art in Chicago that was published in 1932, and Kelpe was the only artist in the book represented by abstract art. In 1931, he had an attention-getting exhibition of many of his constructions at Chicago's Little Gallery. Of this event, Kelpe wrote that this "was the first time than any one-man shows of abstract art took place in Chicago." (Kennedy 127) However, Kelpe did do some realist work when he was a WPA muralist. His mural for the Southern Illinois University Library followed the prevailing American Scene style. One of his murals, typical of many New Deal murals, described the history of industry, agriculture and commerce in southern Illinois. A description of that mural was: "The mural looks back to a supposedly simpler time when pioneers triumphed over adversity and built the nation through hard work, community, and strength of character. The results of all this industry--the growing fields, the commerce on the river, the school, even the children--are offered as proof that progress and community were achieved despite frontier conditions." (Archives) Rebelling against these kinds of stylistic strictures tied to realism, Kelpe moved to New York in 1936 to a climate that allowed more stylistic flexibility . He continued as a muralist for three more years, but in abstract styles and became a founder of the American Abstract Artists, which he served as secretary from 1936 to 1941. This organization was dedicated to modernist art and movements rooted in Europe, especially Paris, and was a reaction against the prevalent Social Realism espoused by Robert Henri and his Ash Can school of painters. Sources include: Elizabeth Kennedy, "Chicago Modern, 1893-1945" "A New Deal for the Arts", the National Archives Building in Washington, DC. Peter Falk, "Who Was Who in American Art"
Ripley Auctions
Jun. 28, 2025
Paul Kelpe (1902-1985) Germany - American
Est: €10,000 - €20,000
Paul Kelpe (1902-1985) ; Composition 414 ; 1934 ; oil on masonite / framed ; dimensions 83,5 x 60,5 cm (33 x 24 in.) ; frame size 92 x 69,5 cm (36 1/4 x 27 1/3 in.) ; signed and dated lower left corner ; Shipping to USA - DHL €650 , National post with tracking service €450 / Shipping to EU, Middle Assia - DHL €520 , National post with tracking service €380
Art-Torg
Apr. 19, 2025
Paul Kelpe (1902-1985) Germany - American
Est: €10,000 - €20,000
Paul Kelpe (1902-1985) ; Composition ; 1934 ; oil on masonite / framed ; dimensions 77 x 51 cm (30 1/3 x 20 in.) ; frame size 93 x 67 cm (36 2/3 x 26 1/3 in.) ; signed and dated lower left corner ; Shipping to USA - DHL €650 , National post with tracking service €450 / Shipping to EU, Middle Assia - DHL €520 , National post with tracking service €380
Art-Torg
May. 02, 2024
PAUL KELPE (1902 - 1985, AMERICAN) Untitled.
Est: $2,000 - $3,000
PAUL KELPE (1902 - 1985, AMERICAN) Untitled. Pencil, ink, and crayon on paper, 1950. Initialed, P.K., and dated, 50, lower left. 355x280 mm; 14x11 inches, (sheet). Provenance: The artist; The Eugene J Prakapas and Dorothy Prakapas Collection, inventory number 47638. Sold on behalf of The Eugene J Prakapas and Dorothy Prakapas Collection in memory of Thomas C. Mendenhall, to benefit a scholarship fund at Yale University.
Swann Auction Galleries
May. 02, 2024
PAUL KELPE (1902 - 1985, AMERICAN) Untitled.
Est: $2,000 - $3,000
PAUL KELPE (1902 - 1985, AMERICAN) Untitled. Charcoal on paper, 1949. Initialed, P.K., lower left and dated, 1949, lower right. 285x325 mm; 11¼x12¾ inches, (sheet). Provenance: The Eugene J Prakapas and Dorothy Prakapas Collection, inventory number 47639. Sold on behalf of The Eugene J Prakapas and Dorothy Prakapas Collection in memory of Thomas C. Mendenhall, to benefit a scholarship fund at Yale University.
Swann Auction Galleries
Nov. 18, 2022
PAUL KELPE (D.1985) ABSTRACT CUBIST FORMS PAINTING
Est: $2,000 - $4,000
Framed oil on masonite painting, Abstract Cubist Forms, signed and dated lower right P. Kelpe '71 (Paul Kelpe, American, German, 1902-1985), further signed, dated, and numbered #5 verso, some paint loss and abrasions, sight: approx 23.75"h, 29.25"w, overall: approx 26"h, 32"w, 6.5lbs
Austin Auction Gallery
Oct. 20, 2022
Paul Kelpe, Untitled
Est: $3,000 - $5,000
Paul Kelpe Untitled 1953 collage on illustration board 12.25 h × 9.75 w in (31 × 25 cm) Inscribed and dated to verso 'Gift from Paul Kelpe Austin Texas 1953'. Sold with three typewritten letters and one handwritten letter from Paul Kelpe to John Martin signed 'Paul'. Provenance: Gift from the artist to John Martin in 1953, Austin, TX | Estate of John Martin | Private Collection This work will ship from Los Angeles, California.
Los Angeles Modern Auctions
Oct. 06, 2021
Paul Kelpe American, 1902-1985 Untitled, 1974
Est: $2,000 - $4,000
Paul Kelpe American, 1902-1985 Untitled, 1974 Signed and dated Kelpe '74 (ll) Watercolor on paper Sheet 18 5/8 x 14 inches (47.3 x 35.5 cm) Provenance: Acquired directly from the artist Thence by descent to the current owner C
DOYLE Auctioneers & Appraisers
Jan. 18, 2020
PAUL KELPE (1902-1985) SHAPES, WATERCOLOR & INK
Est: $2,000 - $3,000
Framed ink and watercolor painting on paper, Shapes, signed lower left Paul Kelpe (Illinois, Texas, Germany, 1902-1985), dated 1930, sight: 12"h, 7.5"w, overall: 21"h, 17.25"w, 4.75lbs Start Price: $1,500.00
Austin Auction Gallery
Nov. 29, 2019
Paul Kelpe - Untitled
Est: €3,000 - €4,000
Paul Kelpe Untitled Gouache, pen and India ink and pencil on slightly textured wove paper Signed and dated lower left: PAUL KELPE. 31. Abstract composition on the reverse. Watercolour and pencil 8 1/8 × 10 5/8 in.
Grisebach
Nov. 09, 2019
Kelpe, Paul: Konstruktivistische Komposition
Est: €2,500 - €3,000
Paul Kelpe 1902 - 1985 Constructivist composition Watercolor on strong paper, 1958; H 287 mm, W 202 mm; signed and dated lower left ''Paul Kelpe 1958''
Peter Karbstein - Kunst und Auktionshaus
May. 08, 2019
PAUL KELPE, (AMERICAN, 1902-1985), "COMPOSITION IN THE 1935 STYLE"
Est: $4,000 - $6,000
PAUL KELPE (american, 1902-1985) "COMPOSITION IN THE 1935 STYLE" Signed, titled and dated 1980 verso, oil on canvas. 27 x 21 in. (68.6 x 53.3cm) provenance: Private Collection, New York, New York.
Freeman's
Oct. 17, 2018
Paul Kelpe American, 1902-1985 Composition #806, 1936
Est: $5,000 - $7,000
Paul Kelpe American, 1902-1985 Composition #806, 1936 Signed Paul Kelpe and dated 1936 (ll), signed Paul Kelpe and inscribed #806 in margin (ll), signed Paul Kelpe and inscribed Composition #806 on the reverse Pencil on paper 18 x 12 inches Provenance: Sid Deutsch Gallery, New York C Property from a Private New Jersey Collection
DOYLE Auctioneers & Appraisers
Jul. 24, 2018
Paul Kelpe (1902-1985) Abstract oil on canvas painting; buildings, spheres, flags, circles. Frame 22 3/4in. by 20in. Image 14 1/2in. by 17-1/4 inches
Est: $2,000 - $3,000
Paul Kelpe (1902-1985) Abstract oil on canvas painting; buildings, spheres, flags, circles. Frame 22 3/4in. by 20in. Image 14 1/2in. by 17-1/4 inches
Bill Hood & Sons Arts & Antiques Auctions
Jun. 14, 2018
PAUL KELPE, American (1902-1985), Untitled, watercolor on paper, signed and dated "P. Kelpe / 76" lower left., 15 1/4 x 10 1/2 inche...
Est: $1,200 - $1,800
PAUL KELPE American (1902-1985) Untitled watercolor on paper, signed and dated "P. Kelpe / 76" lower left. 15 1/4 x 10 1/2 inches (sight) Provenance: Acquired from the artist; Private Collection, Florida. Other Notes: Tags: Modern / Contemporary, Abstract, Works on Paper Request a preliminary shipping/packing quote.
Shannon's
Jun. 14, 2018
PAUL KELPE, American (1902-1985), Untitled, watercolor on board, signed and dated "Kelpe / 1975" lower left., 8 x 11 1/2 inches (sig...
Est: $1,200 - $1,800
PAUL KELPE American (1902-1985) Untitled watercolor on board, signed and dated "Kelpe / 1975" lower left. 8 x 11 1/2 inches (sight) Provenance: Acquired from the artist; Private Collection, Florida. Other Notes: Tags: Modern / Contemporary, Abstract, Works on Paper Request a preliminary shipping/packing quote.
Shannon's
Jun. 14, 2018
PAUL KELPE, American (1902-1985), "Composition #81-1.", oil on board, signed, titled and dated "1981" on reverse., 24 x 18 inches
Est: $3,000 - $5,000
PAUL KELPE American (1902-1985) "Composition #81-1." oil on board, signed, titled and dated "1981" on reverse. 24 x 18 inches Provenance: Acquired from the artist; Private Collection, Florida. Other Notes: Tags: Modern / Contemporary, Abstract, Oil Painting Request a preliminary shipping/packing quote.
Shannon's
Jun. 14, 2018
PAUL KELPE, American (1902-1985), Untitled, oil on board, signed and dated "P. Kelpe / 72" lower left, signed and dated on reverse.,...
Est: $3,000 - $5,000
PAUL KELPE American (1902-1985) Untitled oil on board, signed and dated "P. Kelpe / 72" lower left, signed and dated on reverse. 27 x 21 1/4 inches Provenance: Acquired from the artist; Private Collection, Florida. Other Notes: Tags: Modern / Contemporary, Abstract, Oil Painting Request a preliminary shipping/packing quote.
Shannon's
Apr. 21, 2018
Paul Kelpe, (German/American, 1902-1985), "Still Life with Bottles, Glass and Grater", oil on wood panel, 19-1/4" x 35", framed 21"...
Est: $2,000 - $4,000
Paul Kelpe (German/American, 1902-1985) "Still Life with Bottles, Glass and Grater" oil on wood panel signed lower left. Framed. 19-1/4" x 35", framed 21" x 36-1/2"
New Orleans Auction Galleries
Mar. 07, 2018
PAUL KELPE (1902-1985)
Est: $15,000 - $20,000
PAUL KELPE (1902-1985) Composition, 1951 oil on canvas 45.5 x 61 cm (17 7/8 x 24 in.) signed and dated on verso
Shapiro Auctions LLC
Jan. 27, 2018
PAUL KELPE (AMERICAN, 1902-1985) GEOMETRIC CITYSCAPE Oil on canvas: 17 x 14 1/2 in.
Est: $5,000 - $7,000
PAUL KELPE (AMERICAN, 1902-1985) GEOMETRIC CITYSCAPE Oil on canvas: 17 x 14 1/2 in. Framed; lower left signed and possibly dated: P. Kelpe Provenance: Private collection, Aventura, Florida
Potomack Company
Jan. 23, 2018
Paul Kelpe (AMERICAN, 1902-1985) oil on board, Height 16 in.; Width 12 in. / Height 40.6 cm.; Width 30.5 cm
Est: $3,000 - $5,000
Paul Kelpe (AMERICAN, 1902-1985) oil on board, Height 16 in.; Width 12 in. / Height 40.6 cm.; Width 30.5 cm
Bill Hood & Sons Arts & Antiques Auctions
Dec. 02, 2017
Paul Kelpe, (American, 1902-1985), Untitled, oil on canvas board, 16" x 12"
Est: $7,000 - $9,000
Paul Kelpe (American, 1902-1985) Untitled oil on canvas board signed lower right 16" x 12"
Toomey & Co. Auctioneers
Sep. 26, 2017
Paul Kelpe, German/American (1902-1985) Abstract Cubist Oil on Canvas Panel Signed Lower Right.
Est: $1,500 - $2,000
Paul Kelpe, German/American (1902-1985) Abstract Cubist Oil on Canvas Panel Signed Lower Right. Joseph Mayer Co Inc. label en verso. Good Condition. Panel measures 16" H x 12" W, frame measures 20" H x 16" W. Shipping $95.00 (estimate $1500-$2000)
Kodner Galleries
May. 20, 2017
PAUL KELPE GERMAN 1902-1985
Est: $1,000 - $1,500
Untitled, watercolor, 15 1/2 x 12 1/2 in (39.3 x 31.7 cm), signed lower left
Trinity International Auctions & Appraisals, LLC
Apr. 07, 2017
PAUL KELPE | Composition #518
Est: $8,000 - $12,000
oil on Masonite
Sotheby's
Mar. 17, 2017
Paul Kelpe (American, 1902-2002) Untitled, 1936 Mixed media on board 7-1/4 x 6 i
Est: $2,000 - $3,000
Paul Kelpe (American, 1902-2002) Untitled, 1936 Mixed media on board 7-1/4 x 6 inches (18.4 x 15.2 cm) (image) Signed and dated lower right: Paul Kelpe / 36 PROVENANCE: James Cox Gallery, Woodstock, New York; Acquired by the present owner from the above. HID04901242017
Heritage Auctions
Mar. 17, 2017
Paul Kelpe (American, 1902-2002) Untitled (Abstract), 1926 Watercolor on paper 7
Est: $2,000 - $3,000
Paul Kelpe (American, 1902-2002) Untitled (Abstract), 1926 Watercolor on paper 7-3/4 x 9-7/8 inches (19.7 x 25.1 cm) (sheet) Signed and dated lower right: P.Kelpe. / 1926 PROVENANCE: Private collection, Connecticut; Shannon's Fine Art Auctioneers, Milford, Connecticut, October 24, 2013, lot 114; Acquired by the present owner from the above. HID04901242017
Heritage Auctions
Nov. 12, 2016
Paul Kelpe (American, 1902-2002) Untitled, 1930 Waterco
Est: $4,000 - $6,000
Paul Kelpe (American, 1902-2002) Untitled, 1930 Watercolor and ink on light brown paper 13-1/2 x 9 inches (34.3 x 22.9 cm) (sheet) Signed and dated lower left: Paul Kelpe / 1930 PROVENANCE: Collection of Richard Dietz, Houston Texas; Staehely Collection, Houston, Texas; Private collection, Houston, Texas.
Heritage Auctions
Oct. 27, 2016
PAUL KELPE, American (1902-1985), A Unique Pipe Cabinet, hand-painted wood, lacquered wood, enameled steel., 28 3/4" H x 11 3/4" W x...
Est: $20,000 - $30,000
PAUL KELPE American (1902-1985) A Unique Pipe Cabinet hand-painted wood, lacquered wood, enameled steel. 28 3/4" H x 11 3/4" W x 11 3/4" D Provenance: Gift from the Artist circa 1934 to H. R. Hantke, Chicago; descended in the family; Valerie Carberry Gallery, Chicago, Illinois; Private Collection, Illinois. Other Notes: Tags: Contemporary, Abstract, 20th Century
Shannon's
May. 10, 2016
Paul Kelpe American, 1902-1985 Collage Construction, 1936
Est: $8,000 - $12,000
Paul Kelpe American, 1902-1985 Collage Construction, 1936 Initialed P.K. and dated 36 (ll) Conte crayon and collage on brown paper laid to illustration board 13 1/2 x 17 1/4 inches (34.29 x 43.81 cm) Provenance: Marilyn Pink Gallery, CA Private collection, NY Beth Urdang Fine Art, Boston Private collection, NJ C
DOYLE Auctioneers & Appraisers
Nov. 17, 2015
Paul Kelpe American, 1902-1985 Untitled, 1953
Est: $2,000 - $3,000
Paul Kelpe American, 1902-1985 Untitled, 1953 Initialed P.K. and dated 53 (lr), initialed P.K. and dated 53 (ul) Pencil on paper Image size 11 1/8 x 7 5/8 inches, sheet size 14 x 10 7/8 inches Provenance: DC Moore Gallery, New York David Findlay, Jr. Inc., New York Private Collection C
DOYLE Auctioneers & Appraisers
Jun. 06, 2015
PAUL KELPE (1902-1985): UNTITLED
Est: $5,000 - $9,000
PAUL KELPE (1902-1985): UNTITLED Oil on canvas, signed 'P. Kelpe' lower right. 14 x 11 in., 22 x 19 in. (frame). Note: German-born painter Paul Kelpe was an early proponent of abstract painting in 1930's Chicago, where he was employed as a WPA muralist. His Bauhaus-inspired arrangements of geometric shapes representing buildings, wheels and machinery was his way of incorporating representational imagery into essentially abstract designs.
STAIR
Nov. 19, 2014
Paul Kelpe (American, 1902-1985) Untitled (partial orange circle) image, 10 1/4 x 7 1/2in; sheet, 12 1/4 x 9in
Est: -
Paul Kelpe (American, 1902-1985) Untitled (partial orange circle) image, 10 1/4 x 7 1/2in; sheet, 12 1/4 x 9in
Bonhams
Mar. 06, 2014
PAUL KELPE Composition #14.
Est: $5,000 - $8,000
PAUL KELPE Composition #14. Colored pencil and pen and black ink on board, 1980. 460x320 mm; 18x12 1/2 inches. Signed and dated in black ink, lower left recto. Ex-collection the estate of Grace Schroeder. German-born Constructivist and muralist Paul Kelpe (1902-1985) moved to the United States in 1925 where he attended the University of Chicago. In the 1930s, he created murals for the Federal Art Project, WPA, at Southern Illinois University and the Williamsburg Housing Project in New York. A founding member of the American Abstract Artists group, he taught at East Texas Teachers College and retired to Austin, Texas. Kelpe was a friend of and lived across the street from Grace Schroeder, an Austin-based artist.
Swann Auction Galleries
Dec. 12, 2013
Paul Kelpe, (American, 1902-1985), 1983 W. No. 4, 1983
Est: $4,000 - $6,000
Paul Kelpe (American, 1902-1985) 1983 W. No. 4, 1983 watercolor on paperboard signed P. Kelpe and dated (lower left); signed, titled and dated (verso) 9 1/2 x 14 1/8 inches.
Hindman
Oct. 24, 2013
PAUL KELPE, American (1902-1985), Abstract, watercolor, signed lower right and dated 1926, 7 1/4 x 9 1/4 (sight)
Est: $4,000 - $6,000
PAUL KELPE American (1902-1985) Abstract watercolor, signed lower right and dated 1926 7 1/4 x 9 1/4 (sight) Provenance: Private collection, Connecticut.
Shannon's
May. 23, 2013
Paul Kelpe (1902-1985)
Est: -
Paul Kelpe (1902-1985) Untitled signed 'P. Kelpe' (lower left) watercolor and collage on paper 6¼ x 5 in. (15.9 x 12.7 cm.) Executed circa 1928.
Christie's
Oct. 13, 2012
1: PAUL KELPE (GERMAN/AMERICAN 1902-1985)
Est: $10,000 - $15,000
PAUL KELPE (GERMAN/AMERICAN 1902-1985) Equinox Dated 1923 Watercolor 4 7/8 x 10 in (12.4 x 25.4 cm) Initialed and dated 1923 lower right PROVENANCE: Robert Schoelkopf Gallery, 825 Madison Ave., NYC, NY , Janie C. Lee Gallery, Houston, Texas 77005, Walter F. Maibaum Fine Arts, Inc, NYC, NY labels verso with title Equinox
Trinity International Auctions & Appraisals, LLC
May. 09, 2012
Paul Kelpe American, 1902-1985 Composition #180, 1928
Est: $8,000 - $12,000
Paul Kelpe American, 1902-1985 Composition #180, 1928 Signed Paul Kelpe and dated 1928 (ll); bears artist's name and #180 (ll) in the margin Graphite pencil on paper Image size 14 7/8 x 10 1/2 inches, sheet size 18 3/8 x 14 3/8 inches Provenance: Robert Henry Adams Fine Art, Chicago Exhibited: New Britain Museum of American Art, New Britain, CT, The Michael and Marilyn Gould Collection of American Modern Art (1918-1949), Jul. 13- Nov. 4, 2007, no. 30 (as Composition #2) C The Marilyn & Michael Gould Collection
DOYLE Auctioneers & Appraisers
May. 09, 2012
Paul Kelpe American, 1902-1985 Kinetic, 1949
Est: $8,000 - $12,000
Paul Kelpe American, 1902-1985 Kinetic, 1949 Signed with artist's initials P.K. (ll) and dated 49. (lr); bears artist's name and dated 1949 on the reverse Mixed media on prepared board 16 x 12 inches Provenance: D. Wigmore Fine Art. Inc., New York Exhibited: New Britain Museum of American Art, New Britain, CT, The Michael and Marilyn Gould Collection of American Modern Art (1918-1949), Jul. 13- Nov. 4, 2007, no. 32 (as Collage) C The Marilyn & Michael Gould Collection
DOYLE Auctioneers & Appraisers
May. 09, 2012
Paul Kelpe American, 1902-1985 Abstract, 1932
Est: $10,000 - $15,000
Paul Kelpe American, 1902-1985 Abstract, 1932 Signed Paul Kelpe. and dated 32. (ll) Watercolor, ink and pencil on paper Image size 8 x 5 inches, sheet size 10 1/2 x 7 1/4 inches Provenance: Snyder Fine Art, New York Exhibited: Wilton Historical Society, Wilton, CT, 35th Annual Wilton Historical Society Antiques Show: "American Modern Art, 1920-1945", Mar. 2002 New Britain Museum of American Art, New Britain, CT, The Michael and Marilyn Gould Collection of American Modern Art (1918-1949), Jul. 13- Nov. 4, 2007, no. 31 C The Marilyn & Michael Gould Collection
DOYLE Auctioneers & Appraisers
May. 09, 2012
Paul Kelpe American, 1902-1985 Composition, 1926
Est: $10,000 - $15,000
Paul Kelpe American, 1902-1985 Composition, 1926 Signed P. Kelpe and dated 1926 (lr) Watercolor and pencil on paper Image size 7 1/8 x 9 1/4 inches, sheet size 11 x 13 7/8 inches Provenance: Sid Deutsch Gallery, New York Exhibited: Wilton Historical Society, Wilton, CT, 35th Annual Wilton Historical Society Antiques Show: "American Modern Art, 1920-1945", Mar. 2002 New Britain Museum of American Art, New Britain, CT, The Michael and Marilyn Gould Collection of American Modern Art (1918-1949), Jul. 13- Nov. 4, 2007, no. 29 C The Marilyn & Michael Gould Collection
DOYLE Auctioneers & Appraisers
Sep. 15, 2011
Paul Kelpe 1902-1985 untitled
Est: $10,000 - $15,000
Paul Kelpe 1902-1985 untitled
Wright
Jun. 09, 2011
PAUL KELPE Abstract Composition.
Est: $3,000 - $5,000
PAUL KELPE Abstract Composition. Collage and pencil on heavy, tan wove paper, circa 1920. Signed in pencil, lower left recto. A scarce example of the artist's early Constructivist work. German-born Constructivist and muralist Paul Kelpe (1902-1985) moved to the United States in 1925 where he attended the University of Chicago. In the 1930s he created murals for the Federal Art Project, WPA, at Southern Illinois University and the Williamsburg Housing Project in New York. A founding member of the American Abstract Artists group, he taught at East Texas Teachers College and retired to Austin, Texas.
Swann Auction Galleries
Jul. 16, 2009
PAUL KELPE (American, 1902-2002) Untitled, 1930
Est: $3,000 - $5,000
PAUL KELPE (American, 1902-2002) Untitled, 1930 Watercolor and ink on paper 6 x 5 inches (15.2 x 12.7 cm) widow Signed and dated lower left: Paul Kelpe / 1930 PROVENANCE: David Dike Fine Art, Dallas (label verso). Paul Kelpe painted in an abstract manner that was based on Constructivism, Cubism, and geometric abstraction. He studied art in Hanover, Germany, and was influenced by the work of modernist artists such as Wassily Kandinsky, El Lissitsky, Laszlo Moholy-Nagy, Naum Gabo, and Kurt Schwitters. Kelpe developed a style of carefully applied paint, devoid of visible brush strokes, within geometric forms. This small watercolor is characteristic of his works on paper. Kelpe is a nationally acclaimed artist who immigrated to the United States in 1925 and spent several years in New Jersey and New York City. In the early 1930s, he settled in Chicago where he was a WPA (Works Progress Administration) muralist. Kelpe returned to New York City in the 1940s and 1950s, then moved in 1969 to Austin, Texas, where he taught at East Texas Teachers College.
Heritage Auctions
May. 04, 2006
PAUL KELPE
Est: $25,000 - $35,000
"Abstraction # 7" American (1902-1985). Signed Lower Right.
Shannon's
Dec. 01, 2004
PAUL KELPE 1902-1985 MAN AND MACHINERY #36 Measurements: 25.25 by 21in. Alternate Measurements: (64.1 by 53.3 cm) signed Paul Kelpe and dated '34, l.r.; also inscribed Paul Kelpe/Man and Machine/#36 on a piece of the old backing oil on canvas
Est: $80,000 - $120,000
PAUL KELPE 1902-1985 MAN AND MACHINERY #36 Measurements: 25.25 by 21in. Alternate Measurements: (64.1 by 53.3 cm) signed Paul Kelpe and dated '34, l.r.; also inscribed Paul Kelpe/Man and Machine/#36 on a piece of the old backing oil on canvas Provenance: Sid Deutsch Gallery, New York Andrew Cripso Gallery, New York (sold: Sotheby's, New York, December 3, 1997, 142, illustrated in color) Acquired by the present owner at the above sale Exhibited: New York, Andrew Crispo Gallery, Paris/NY 1910-1930s: The Influences of Paris on New York and American Artists of the 20th Century, June-August 1977, no. 28a New York, Andrew Crispo Gallery, The Modern Spirit of American Artists, April-May 1983, no. 9 New York, Andrew Crispo Gallery, American Masters of the 20th Century, January-February 1985, no. 32 New York, Canova & Rittenhouse Fine Art Gallery, Formative Years of 20th Century American Art, October-November 1992, no. 39
Sotheby's