Jef Verbrak, Set Of 2 Coffee Tables (paintings) In Wenge Wood, Modernist Design, Ca 1970

A set of two coffee tables (living room tables) created by the Belgian artist Jef Verbrak around 1970. Modernist in design, they each feature two abstract paintings by the artist. The mixed-media composition consists of oil paint on a wood panel, embedded in sand and covered with epoxy resin. Solid Wenge wood structure (approximately 2 cm thick). These works are inspired by the Brutalist movement of that era.

Provenance: Private collection of the architect Mr. Pletinckx (a close friend of the artist). This was a specific commission for his home; these are, of course, unique pieces.

Signature: Signed "J. VERBRAK" on the back.
Period: Circa 1970.

Dimensions (H × W × D):
– Large: 27 × 135 × 135 cm
– Small: 27 × 80 × 80 cm

Weight: 60 kg for the set.

Condition: Excellent, with a slight chip on the edge of the Wenge wood structure and on one edge of the large tabletop (see photos).

Biography: Jef Verbrak (1924–2007) was a Belgian painter and professor at the Academy of Fine Arts. After exploring various painting styles and techniques throughout his career, he became best known for his abstract works. His work is considered part of the Lyrical Abstraction movement and also of Brutalism. Verbrak's works are characterized by a strong presence of color, texture, and light. He is believed to have been influenced by artists such as Georges Mathieu and Pierre Soulages. Jef Verbrak exhibited in numerous galleries in Belgium and abroad. He also participated in group exhibitions such as "Lyrical Abstraction in Belgium" in 1985. In 1992, the exhibition "Verbrak's Work in Charleroi" was organized at the Charleroi Museum of Fine Arts.