48 - Peter Flinsch (German/Canadian, 1920-2010)

Peter Flinsch (German/Canadian, 1920-2010) Tartar Beach, 1962 Pen, ink, and watercolor on cream paper. Titled on the lower left, "Tartar Beach"; signed and dated on the lower right, "Flinsch 62"; Inscribed on the verso, "Achill verbindet den Patroklos [Achilles bandages Patroclus]". An intimate scene of male affection, which Flinsch relates to antiquity, referencing the Greek classical work, "Achilles Binding Patroclus' Wounds". 5 x 6 3/4 in. (12.5 x 17 cm) Notes: Peter Flinsch was born in Leipzig, Germany, in 1920, during the tumultuous collapse of the Weimar Republic. He was obliged into Hitler's army during the early years of World War II, but would be arrested and court-martialed after being caught kissing a fellow officer. He was then forced into grueling labor within a disciplinary minesweeping unit. Flinsch would later credit this period of his life as conversely inspiring the bold and sensual nature of his work. After the war, Flinsch would briefly work in East Germany, creating portraits of communist figures and working as a theater designer in Leipzig. After a brief stay in Paris, he would emigrate to Canada, finding a home for himself amongst the gay community in Montreal's Village. In Montreal, Flinsch would also find the freedom to focus on his homoerotic body of work. He saw a through line between the gay men of modernity and antiquity, applying classical roles and names to his models. Flinsch is now recognized for his vivid and erotic portraits of men, and his work stands as a testament to queer resilience. Provenance Property of a Private French Collection, acquired from the artist. Condition Nothing adverse to note. For further condition details or additional images, please contact info@vallots.com