Untitled (St. John)

Dimensions
33.0 x 40.0 cm

The picture follows your choices: , .

Collectible Description

Explore Rudolf Stingel's Untitled (St. John), a striking black and white photograph capturing his monumental painting featuring a hooded figure and textured silver surface – a testament to conceptual art and innovative material exploration.

Artist Biography

Challenge artistic norms with Rudolf Stingel! Explore his conceptual art, from textured paintings & carpet installations to site-specific works transforming spaces. Discover the Italian artist's unique approach.

Hand Made Oil Reproduction

Hand-painted oil on canvas in your size and frame, made to order by our artists. ( Switch to Print Switch to Digital Image)

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1 Step one of four

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These sizes keep the proportions of the original painting. The drawing shows your choice on a wall, above a two-metre sofa.

Your painting: () — with its frame.

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Type the width and the height you need, to fit your frame or your wall. This is hand-painted, so for a size with a different shape the artist can paint a bit more around the picture, or cut a bit — you choose. We send you a digital mockup to approve before the painting starts. The picture shown on this page does not show the real result — only the mockup does.

2 Step two of four

How should it be prepared: rolled, stretched or framed?

The prices below are for the size you chose in step one.

Choose the edges of the stretched canvas

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Corner sample of the WhiteWrap canvas edge finish, stretched on solid wood bars
White $1
Corner sample of the BlurSideWrap canvas edge finish, stretched on solid wood bars
Blurside $1
Corner sample of the ExtendedWrap canvas edge finish, stretched on solid wood bars
Extended $1
Corner sample of the P118B picture frame: moulded polystyrene, 5 cm wide and 3 cm thick
P118B $10
Corner sample of the P118H picture frame: moulded polystyrene, 5 cm wide and 3 cm thick
P118H $10
Corner sample of the P118W picture frame: moulded polystyrene, 5 cm wide and 3 cm thick
P118W $10
Corner sample of the P438Z picture frame: moulded polystyrene, 5.5 cm wide and 3.5 cm thick
P438Z $10
Corner sample of the P508JH picture frame: moulded polystyrene, 7 cm wide and 3.5 cm thick
P508JH $12
Corner sample of the P508YH picture frame: moulded polystyrene, 7 cm wide and 3.5 cm thick
P508YH $12
Corner sample of the P805H picture frame: moulded polystyrene, 5 cm wide and 3.5 cm thick
P805H $10
Corner sample of the P805Z picture frame: moulded polystyrene, 5 cm wide and 3.5 cm thick
P805Z $10
Corner sample of the P919BZ picture frame: moulded polystyrene, 7 cm wide and 3.5 cm thick
P919BZ $10
Corner sample of the P919G picture frame: moulded polystyrene, 7 cm wide and 3.5 cm thick
P919G $10
Corner sample of the P919XJ picture frame: moulded polystyrene, 7 cm wide and 3.5 cm thick
P919XJ $10
Corner sample of the P959ZH picture frame: moulded polystyrene, 5 cm wide and 3 cm thick
P959ZH $10
Corner sample of the P968JZ picture frame: moulded polystyrene, 6 cm wide and 4 cm thick
P968JZ $12
Corner sample of the W106C picture frame: solid wood, 5 cm wide and 3 cm thick
W106C $8
Corner sample of the W218G picture frame: solid wood, 5 cm wide and 3 cm thick
W218G $10
Corner sample of the W218JH picture frame: solid wood, 5 cm wide and 3 cm thick
W218JH $8
Corner sample of the W218Y picture frame: solid wood, 5 cm wide and 3 cm thick
W218Y $10
Corner sample of the W307PJ picture frame: solid wood, 6 cm wide and 3 cm thick
W307PJ $10
Corner sample of the W316G picture frame: solid wood, 6 cm wide and 3 cm thick
W316G $10
Corner sample of the W316PJ picture frame: solid wood, 6 cm wide and 3 cm thick
W316PJ $8
Corner sample of the W316Y picture frame: solid wood, 6 cm wide and 3 cm thick
W316Y $10
Corner sample of the W398PJ picture frame: solid wood, 5 cm wide and 3 cm thick
W398PJ $8
Corner sample of the W4111J picture frame: solid wood, 6.5 cm wide and 3.5 cm thick
W4111J $10
Corner sample of the W500HY picture frame: solid wood, 7 cm wide and 5 cm thick
W500HY $15
Corner sample of the W500JH picture frame: solid wood, 7 cm wide and 5 cm thick
W500JH $15
Corner sample of the W692G picture frame: solid wood, 8 cm wide and 4 cm thick
W692G $12
Corner sample of the W849H picture frame: solid wood, 5 cm wide and 3 cm thick
W849H $8
Corner sample of the W940BG picture frame: solid wood, 7.5 cm wide and 4.5 cm thick
W940BG $15
Corner sample of the W953PJ picture frame: solid wood, 6 cm wide and 3.5 cm thick
W953PJ $8
Corner sample of the H24-GOLD picture frame: carved wood with gesso, 10 cm wide and 6 cm thick
H24-GOLD $30
Corner sample of the H24-SILVER picture frame: carved wood with gesso, 10 cm wide and 6 cm thick
H24-SILVER $30
Corner sample of the H36-GOLD picture frame: carved wood with gesso, 15 cm wide and 6.5 cm thick
H36-GOLD $45
Corner sample of the H36-SILVER picture frame: carved wood with gesso, 15 cm wide and 6.5 cm thick
H36-SILVER $45
Frame preview
Framed

Moulding: . Overall size with the frame: .

3 Step three of four

Would you like anything changed in the painting?

Most people answer no. Because each painting is made by hand, our artist can also adapt it for you.

Examples of what can be changed: Replace face with customer photo; Add pet (e.g., replace cat with dog); Include hidden message in background; Change background landscape or elements.
After order, ArtsDot.com team will email client for instructions and provide a mockup preview

4 Step four of four

A few finishing options

All of them are optional. The answers already selected cost nothing extra.

Who paints it?

Worldwide Delivery () in 3/4 weeks instead of standard 5 weeks. (8 November). No compromise on quality.

A nameplate, as in a museum?

Engraved Bronze Plaque Details

This elegant plaque features the artist's name and the title of the artwork, finely engraved for a timeless presentation.

It is made from bronze with a refined, elegant finish. The text is precisely laser-engraved for a sharp and permanent result. Measuring 9x2 cm, the plaque is compact yet easy to read. It's built to be durable and scratch-resistant, offering a professional, museum-quality look. Mounting is simple thanks to the included adhesive backing.

Transparent Acrylic Plaque Details

The plaque includes essential engraved details such as the artist's name, the title of the artwork, the date it was created, the type of media used-like oil on canvas or watercolor-a brief description of the piece, and a QR code that links to the complete artwork information.

It is crafted from clear acrylic, offering a sleek, modern appearance. The text is UV-engraved in black to ensure strong visual contrast. With a size of 10x15 cm, it ensures optimal readability. It comes equipped with two metal hooks for secure wall mounting. The plaque is designed to be weather-resistant, making it suitable for various environments, and it includes interactive features that work seamlessly with smartphone scanning.

Black Acrylic Plaque Details

This elegant plaque includes engraved information such as the artist's name, the title of the artwork, the date it was created, the type of media used (like oil on canvas or watercolor), a short description of the artwork, and a QR code for quick access to more information.

The plaque itself is made from refined black acrylic with a premium finish. The text is laser-engraved in white for high contrast and readability. Its size is 10x15 cm, designed to be easy to read. It comes with two metal hooks for professional mounting. The design is sleek and fits any interior style. It is also weather-resistant and durable, with built-in digital integration for mobile compatibility.

A protective varnish?

When do you need it?

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Your painting, as you ordered it

Untitled (St. John)

Reproduction Medium

Reproduction Size

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Elite Senior Artist

More detail, finesse, and extra production time

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Reproduction Frame

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For artworks or reproductions larger than 105 cm (approximately 41 inches) on any side, the frame will be shipped as a kit, disassembled. This method ensures safe delivery and prevents damage during transport.

Professional assembly required - this is not a DIY product.
The kit must be assembled and the canvas stretched by an experienced professional framer, using wood glue (not supplied), a canvas stretching plier and clamps to hold the bars square while the glue dries. Incorrect assembly or uneven canvas tension can permanently damage the artwork and is not covered by our warranty.

  • All solid wood bars are included, precisely cut to size.

  • Assembled with the screws provided, plus wood glue for the corner joints, which is not supplied and must be sourced by your framer.

  • Professional tools are required and not included: a canvas stretching plier (tensioner) and clamps to hold the bars square while the glue dries.

Important:
The corner joints require wood glue, the bars must be held with clamps until the glue is fully dry, and tightening the canvas on the assembled frame requires a canvas stretching plier. None of these are included in the kit. Please arrange an experienced professional framer before ordering this size.

Nameplate

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Protective Varnish

Glossy Varnish (enhances colors, protects against light/moisture)

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Customize My Artwork

Examples of what can be changed: Replace face with customer photo; Add pet (e.g., replace cat with dog); Include hidden message in background; Change background landscape or elements.

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Urgent

Worldwide Delivery () in 3/4 weeks instead of standard 5 weeks. (8 November). No compromise on quality.

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Express Shipping

Worldwide Delivery () in 5 weeks. (15 November).

Included

Total Price

$ 263

Total Price $ 263

Glass option is only available in size under 110 CM

Included with every order

  • Free Worldwide Express Shipping
  • High-Quality Linen Canvas
  • Full Shipping Insurance
  • Customs Tax Refund Guarantee
  • True Color Matching Guarantee
  • 100-Day Return Policy (Defects Only)
  • 100% Money-Back Guarantee
  • Bulk Discount Offer

Rudolf Stingel’s Untitled (St. John): A Meditation on Texture and Perception

The painting “Untitled (St. John)” by Rudolf Stingel stands as a testament to the artist's masterful manipulation of materials and his profound engagement with conceptual art principles. Created in 2009, this piece exemplifies Stingel’s signature style—a deliberate rejection of conventional artistic conventions in favor of exploring sensory experience and challenging viewers’ assumptions about representation. It’s not merely an image; it’s a carefully constructed invitation to contemplate the relationship between surface and substance, memory and materiality.

The Tactile Landscape of Color

Stingel's technique is instantly recognizable: he begins with a canvas primed in shades of grey—a deliberate choice designed to neutralize any preconceived notions about color harmony. Upon this monochrome base, he applies thick layers of paint using spatula techniques, creating undulating textures that resemble geological formations or weathered landscapes. These expansive strokes aren’t intended to depict a specific scene but rather to evoke the feeling of encountering vastness and solitude. Subtle hints of red, yellow, and blue emerge from beneath the surface, appearing as if glimpsed through shifting light—a masterful illusion achieved by layering pigments with remarkable precision.

Symbolism Rooted in Tradition

The figure depicted within the painting is deliberately ambiguous, bearing a hooded head reminiscent of Saint John the Baptist – a biblical icon symbolizing repentance and purification. However, Stingel avoids literal depiction, prioritizing emotional resonance over narrative clarity. The object held in the figure’s hand—a smooth, dark stone—further reinforces this symbolic dimension. Stones have historically represented stability, endurance, and connection to the earth; their placement alongside the hooded figure suggests themes of introspection and spiritual contemplation. This deliberate juxtaposition speaks to a broader artistic preoccupation with confronting existential questions and exploring the subconscious mind.

A Dialogue Between Materiality and Illusion

Following the initial application of paint, Stingel introduces gauze—a translucent fabric stretched across the canvas—creating an additional layer of complexity. The gauze is subsequently sprayed with silver paint, resulting in a shimmering surface that disrupts our visual perception. This technique isn’t simply decorative; it actively engages with the concept of illusion and challenges viewers to question what they see versus what lies beneath. The removal of the gauze reveals the underlying texture—a rich tapestry of ridges and valleys—demonstrating Stingel's commitment to materiality as a conduit for conveying emotional impact.

Concluding Reflections: Texture as Emotional Expression

Ultimately, “Untitled (St. John)” transcends mere visual representation. It’s an artwork that invites contemplation about how our senses shape our understanding of the world around us. Stingel’s masterful use of texture—combined with subtle color harmonies and symbolic imagery—creates a powerfully evocative experience for the viewer. Like many of his works, it speaks to a desire to bypass intellectual analysis and tap into primal emotions – reminding us that art can communicate truths beyond words, offering glimpses into the depths of human consciousness. It’s a piece destined to resonate with collectors and interior designers alike who appreciate the beauty of understated elegance and the profound exploration of sensory perception.

Questions & Answers

Can I examine "Untitled (St. John)" in more detail?

"Untitled (St. John)" can be examined layer by layer on the artwork's X-Ray page, a viewer inspired by a conservator's light bench with eleven optical readings of the image.

Where is "Untitled (St. John)" by Rudolf Stingel on display today?

"Untitled (St. John)" by Rudolf Stingel is on display at the Palazzo Grassi, Venice, Italy. The museum listing refers to the original work, not to reproductions.

Is "Untitled (St. John)" held in the country of its creator?

Yes - the artwork is kept in the artist's home country. Rudolf Stingel was born in Italy, and the original "Untitled (St. John)" is held in a museum in Italy.

Rudolf Stingel

Rudolf Stingel

1956 - , Italy

Artist Biography

Rudolf Stingel: A Biography

  • Born: Merano, Italy (1956)
  • Current Residence: New York City
  • Nationality: Italian

Early Life and Artistic Development

Rudolf Stingel emerged as a significant figure in the late 1980s art scene. Initially recognized for his monochromatic paintings, these works, primarily from 1987 to 1994, featured silvery surfaces with subtle undertones of red, yellow, or blue. This early period established Stingel's interest in exploring surface and perception. His artistic development took a pivotal turn in the 1990s as he began experimenting with more vibrant colors and textures. These abstract paintings involved applying thick layers of paint to canvas, followed by the placement of gauze and subsequent spraying with silver paint. The removal of the gauze resulted in richly textured surfaces that challenged traditional notions of painting.

Key Artistic Concepts and Materials

Stingel's work is fundamentally conceptual, utilizing readily available materials to explore ideas about art, space, and perception. His artistic practice expanded beyond painting to encompass installations and sculptures. Key elements of his approach include:

  • Monochromatic Surfaces: Early works focused on the interplay of light and color within a limited palette.
  • Textural Exploration: The use of gauze, spray paint, and other materials creates complex surface textures that invite tactile engagement.
  • Carpet Installations: A defining characteristic of Stingel's work is his use of carpet as both a medium and a spatial element. He has transformed entire exhibition spaces – walls, floors, and even architectural structures – with monochrome or patterned carpets, blurring the lines between painting, sculpture, and architecture.
  • Radiator Sculptures: Early installations featured translucent cast resin sculptures resembling radiators, incorporating orange acrylic paint to create an ethereal glow.
  • Site-Specific Works: Stingel’s most impactful projects are often site-specific, adapting to the unique characteristics of a location. Plan B (2004), which covered the floors of Grand Central Terminal and the Walker Art Center with floral carpets, exemplifies this approach.
  • Bust Sculptures: More recent works include grayscale busts exploring themes of age and melancholy through mixed media techniques.

Influences and Historical Significance

While Stingel's work resists easy categorization, several influences can be identified:

  • Minimalism: The emphasis on simple forms and industrial materials reflects a connection to minimalist aesthetics.
  • Conceptual Art: Stingel’s focus on the underlying ideas behind his art aligns with conceptual art practices.
  • Pop Art: His use of everyday objects and mass-produced materials echoes Pop Art's engagement with popular culture.

Stingel's historical significance lies in his ability to challenge conventional definitions of painting and sculpture. By incorporating unconventional materials like carpet and transforming architectural spaces into artworks, he expands the boundaries of artistic expression. His work has contributed significantly to contemporary art discourse by questioning the relationship between art, space, and the viewer.

Major Achievements and Recognition

  • Venice Biennale Participation: Stingel's work has been featured prominently at the Venice Biennale, a prestigious international art exhibition.
  • Site-Specific Installations: His large-scale installations in public spaces like Grand Central Terminal have garnered widespread attention.
  • Museum Exhibitions: Stingel’s works are held in numerous museum collections worldwide and have been featured in solo exhibitions at major institutions.

Explore more of Rudolf Stingel's work at ArtsDot.com.