Alex Katz – Alain (1978)

Alain

Artist: Alex Katz (b. 1927)

Date of creation: Circa 1978

Technique: Oil on cut aluminum

Dimensions: 30.5 x 25.4 x 2.2 cm (12 x 10 x ⅞ in.)

Support: Cut aluminum panel, painted in oil

Description: In Alain, Alex Katz precisely and simply captures the essence of a male face in a sculptural and unusual format: an oil painting executed directly on a cut aluminum panel. This format transforms the classical portrait, making it more immediate, sculptural, and almost floating in space.

Executed around 1978, this work exemplifies Katz’s minimalist aesthetic: clean contours, a luminous palette, and attention to light and the subject’s character. The use of aluminum gives a contemporary and boldly modern touch, merging painting and form.

Shipping & Delivery:
✔ Worldwide shipping from France
✔ Professional packaging with insurance
✔ Tracking number included for secure delivery, Delivered with a certificate of authenticity

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FAQ

Is this an original work by Alex Katz?
Yes. Alain is an original oil painting executed directly on a cut aluminum panel— a unique artwork from around 1978.

Is the piece hand-painted?
Absolutely. Katz painted the portrait in oil, directly onto the shaped aluminum surface, making it both a painting and a sculptural object.

Is the work signed?
As with many Katz cut-outs from this period, authorship is verified through provenance and the included certificate of authenticity.

What are the dimensions?
The artwork measures 30.5 × 25.4 × 2.2 cm (12 × 10 × ⅞ in.).

What makes this work significant?
This piece is part of Katz’s iconic cut-out series, where the portrait becomes an object. The shaped aluminum panel gives the work a floating, modern, and sculptural presence.

How rare are Katz aluminum cut-outs from the 1970s?
Very rare. Works from this early period are prized by collectors due to their historical importance and the artist’s innovative approach to form.

Is this a collectible piece?
Yes. Katz’s cut-outs are among his most recognizable and sought-after formats, especially early examples from the late 1970s.

Do you ship internationally?
Yes. We provide secure worldwide shipping from France, professionally packed, insured, and fully trackable.