19: WERNER WILDNER (1925-2004) THE METAPHYSICIAN 1968

Werner Wildner (1925-2004)
The Metaphysician (1968)
The bizarre, smirking figure is depicted with an insect on its tattered top hat, possibly suggesting decay, and a disembodied hand on one shoulder - an arm from nowhere - to add to the riddle of the image. Painted on Masonite, signed lower right and again verso near the title and date.

Werner Wildner was a German-born Nashville artist known for his imaginative surrealist paintings and drawings. After immigrating to the U.S. as a child, he studied at the Meinzinger Art School in Detroit and began his career in commercial art before turning to fine art in the 1950s. His meticulously rendered figures, part human, part dream offer both humor and unease.

A metaphysician studies the principles of being, knowing, substance, cause, identity, time, and space.
Board measures 7.5 x 7 with a framed size of 12.75H x 12.25W inches.
Very good condition. There are no issues of scratches, losses, repairs, in-painting or touch-up.
Provenance: Large and varied collection, North Kansas City, Missouri.
$1,500 - $2,000