Hans Hartung, a bridge between German expressionism and French abstraction, revolutionized twentieth-century art with a free and gestural language. Born in 1904 in Germany and who died in 1989 in Antibes, he embodied rebellion against all labels, pursuing an authentic and personal art down to the last splash of color.
From a young age he showed interest in philosophy, astronomy and music, studying art and art history at the Leipzig Academy and Dresden.
In the 1920s he made his first abstract drawings, inspired by Kandinsky and Klee.
In 1935 he moved permanently to France, becoming a French citizen in 1939.
During World War II, he fought in the Foreign Legion, losing a leg in battle in 1944, an experience that deeply marked his art as an emotional outlet.
After the war, he settled in Antibes, where he lived until his death on December 7, 1989.
Hartung’s style
Hartung is considered one of the fathers of tachisme and art informel, with a style of gestural abstraction characterized by quick lines, scratches and impulsive brushstrokes on large canvases.
His works evoke dynamic energy, influenced by American abstract expressionism but rooted in a European lyricism, often created with experimental techniques such as scraping and ink spraying.
Hartung’s masterpieces
Among Hartung’s masterpieces are the “T” and “P” series from the 1960s-70s, such as T1967-H11 (1967), a monumental work of black gestures on a white background that captures pure movement, and P1961-21 (1961), with its incisive lines and dramatic contrasts.
Another icon is G9/5/70-T (1970), an example of lyrical abstraction.
1961-72 1961 Pastello su carta
Olio su tela T1962-A34 1962
T1965-R16, 1965
The Farandole series
Farandole
“Farandole” is a series of lithographs made by Hartung in 1971, in a limited edition of 75, printed on Guarro paper.
Provençal collective dance
Inspired by the theme of the collective Provençal dance, this suite of 10 abstract works explores the “sign-gesture” in a playful, rhythmic key: curved lines and proud arabesques intertwine in dynamic compositions, with vivid colors evoking movement and vital joy.
A variation, “Lithograph X” from the series, captures the essence of Hartungian Tachisme, with spontaneous scratches symbolizing anarchic energy.
In 2022 it was sold for about $1,890, represents a bridge between his painting and printmaking, where the sign “can everything,” like a musical improvisation on canvas.
The Farandole series (1971) represents a cycle of colorful lithographs, inspired by the Provençal dance “farandole,” that combine rhythmic joy and fluid abstraction: Farandole 2, for example, is a lithograph on Guarro paper with limited editions of 75, known for its vivid tones and dancing lines.
Egidi MadeinItaly works in the gallery
Two splendid lithographs by Hans Hartung are featured in our catalog works: Farandole 2 and Farandole 5.
Litografia Farandole 2
Farandole 5 Lithograph Hans Hartung
The market value of Hartung’s works
Hartung’s works enjoy a solid and growing market: in the last 12 months (through October 2025), paintings averaged USD 121,162, while sculptures around USD 33,350. Recent records include a masterpiece sold for USD 1.4 million at Piguet in 2024 and 2025 sales such as T1967-H11 at EUR 101,600 at Sotheby’s and P1961-21 at EUR 33,020.
The price index rose 60 percent in 2024, confirming its status among French abstractors.
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