Knud HørupEnamel on Copper, c. 1960sMid-Century Abstract Expressionism | Rare and Large-Scale Work
This rare and unusually large enamel on copper painting by Danish artist Knud Hørup is a striking example of mid-20th-century European abstract expressionism. Executed in vivid red, black, and white, the composition features bold, gestural brushstrokes and layered textures that convey dynamic movement and emotional intensity.
Hørup, known for his experimental techniques, utilized enameled paint on copper—a demanding and rarely used fine art medium. The result is a luminous, durable surface with rich texture, deep gloss, and exceptional color saturation.
The painting’s heavy black lines, aggressive layering, and spontaneous composition suggest a raw, urban sensibility—qualities that would later define the graffiti and street art movements of the 1970s and ’80s. Created more than a decade prior, Hørup’s work anticipates this aesthetic, aligning it with the proto-graffiti ethos and situating it firmly within the art informal and abstract expressionist circles of post-war Europe.
Measurements
W 65.25'' x D 1.88'' x H 20.88''