Crossed Destiny : Hans Hartung and Jean Miotte: two expressions, a common power

Hans Hartung and Jean Miotte. Through their recent works in our collection, we invite you to explore the subtleties of their pictorial language and the expressive power of their compositions. One, with his mastery of line and structure, the other, with his spontaneous gestural energy, each testify to a singular approach that has left its mark on the history of twentieth-century abstract art.

This article immerses you in the world of these two artists, analyzing their techniques, their influences and how their work continues to inspire the art world today. Between verticality and free gestures, intense colors and mastery of contrast, we offer you a cross-section of these two complementary approaches to abstraction.

Lyrical abstraction emerged in the early 20th century as a reaction to geometric abstraction. Led by artists such as Jean Miotte, Hans Hartung, Georges Mathieu and Pierre Soulages, this movement is characterized by total freedom of expression, with gesture and energy dominating composition. The impact of this pictorial revolution can be seen today in many contemporary practices, where matter and movement become powerful means of expression.

In lyrical abstraction, technique is as important as intention. Miotte and Hartung are similar in the way they capture the immediacy of movement, but differ in their approach:

• Miotte translates a form of pictorial dance, a fast, fluid gesture.
• Hartung, on the other hand, prepares and anticipates his gestures to give them tension and structure.

Jean Miotte fully embraces the dynamics of lyrical abstraction, placing the spontaneous, instinctive, liberated gesture at the heart of his practice. His painting is a constant dialogue between full and empty, where movement takes precedence over fixed form. Inspired by the dynamism of dance and musical rhythm, Miotte expresses an inner strength that translates into compositions of remarkable intensity.

His works on paper, notably his 1956 ink and 1960 ink and gouache, perfectly illustrate this approach. The fluid ink of 1956 shows an immediacy of gesture, capturing the moment with great spontaneity. Conversely, the addition of gouache in his 60s work enriches the composition with a denser material, contrasting with the lightness of the line. These pieces reflect the absolute freedom Miotte claimed for her art, a quest for pure expression and unrestrained movement.

Hans Hartung, a master of lyrical abstraction, is renowned for his research into movement, texture and the interaction of different techniques. His work “P1972-1”, executed in ink and pastel on baryta board, perfectly illustrates his interest in the fusion of materials. This piece highlights his work on the verticality of gesture and the intense contrast of black with the touches of yellow and blue characteristic of his chromatic palette. Each stroke seems animated by a controlled energy, translating an almost musical tension.

His oil-on-canvas painting “T1963-U27” offers us another look at his technique. The deep black background serves as the basis for a superimposition of colored strata, in which the artist plays with shades of blue and ochre, reinforced by his scraping technique. This process, which consists in removing certain layers of paint to reveal the underlays, accentuates contrasts and adds a tactile dimension to the work. The dynamism of the line is prominent, with each line capturing a moment of tension and raw energy. His approach differs from Miotte’s in its methodical preparation of the gesture, making each movement calculated and impactful.

For art lovers and collectors, choosing between Miotte and Hartung means questioning one’s own sensitivity to lyrical abstraction, but also considering the historical and heritage dimensions of these artists.

Jean Miotte captivates with his spontaneous, expressive approach. His works convey a vital energy, an outpouring of line that evokes pure movement. He embodies a free, immediate abstraction, sought after for its visual and emotional impact.
Hans Hartung, on the other hand, offers a more reflective reading of gesture. His tracings, often precise and incisive, are the fruit of deep reflection on the tension and dynamics of the stroke. His work is appreciated for its balance between rigor and spontaneity, making him a key figure in twentieth-century abstraction.
From a heritage and investment point of view, both artists benefit from international institutional and museum recognition. Their works are exhibited in the world’s greatest collections, and their value continues to grow. Investing in a Miotte or a Hartung not only means acquiring a piece of exceptional artistic value, but also inscribing your estate in the historical continuity of lyrical abstraction.

Through their singular approaches, Jean Miotte and Hans Hartung embody two complementary facets of lyrical abstraction. One favors the spontaneous burst of line, while the other structures his gesture with almost calligraphic precision. Their work, always imbued with strength and energy, continues to influence contemporary art and inspire collectors and lovers of abstraction. Galerie Hurtebize affirms its commitment to promoting and showcasing this artistic movement, highlighting works that bear witness to its evolution and impact on the history of modern art.