In the United States, Jackson Pollock is revered as one of the most important abstract painters of the 20th century.

In Europe, and Canada, Jean-Paul Riopelle (1923-2002) is often placed before Pollock when assessing 20th century abstraction.

After establishing his name in Montreal in the 1940's Riopelle would move to Paris and briefly exhibit with the Surrealists.

He quickly found acclaim for his palette-knife abstract paintings and played up the image of a "Wild Canadian".

Unlike Pollock, who tossed and poured his paints, Riopelle's works were more constructed resulting in dense intricate creations.

In 1959 Riopelle married Joan Mitchell and both artists would influence the other over the course of their tumultuous relationship.

The 1960's were an important period for Riopelle as he began experimenting with different medium; ink on paper, collage, monochromatic paintings and lithography.

"La Haie" is a fantastic synthesis of Riopelle's artistic characteristics from this decade and is a great piece for a nascent collector. 

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Lithograph on paper. 

France, 1967

Signed Riopelle and numbered 18/75 by the artist. 

18"H 34"W (work)

25"H 39.5"W (framed)

Excellent condition.