Neo-Expressionist Portrait on Red, Peter Robert Keil, circa 1970s
A compelling oil portrait by Peter Robert Keil, executed in the 1970s at the height of the artist’s expressive maturity. Painted in oil on cardboard—a favored support for Keil during this period—the work embodies the immediacy and raw energy for which he is renowned. The boldly outlined female visage is animated through saturated reds, greens, yellows, and blues, with thick black contours and gestural brushwork creating a sense of urgency and psychological intensity.
Keil’s use of cardboard enhances the work’s directness, allowing the oil paint to sit vividly on the surface and emphasizing the artist’s instinctive, unfiltered approach. The composition balances spontaneity with strong graphic structure, resulting in a striking and emotionally resonant image.
The painting is presented in a black frame with gilt inner molding, offering a refined contrast to the vibrancy of the work and making it ready for immediate display.
About the Artist
Peter Robert Keil is a central figure in postwar neo-expressionism, known for his prolific output and fiercely individual visual language. Trained at the Academy of Fine Arts in Berlin, Keil emerged from the postwar German expressionist tradition before establishing an international presence.
During the late 1970s and 1980s, Keil lived and worked extensively in New York, where he became closely associated with the downtown art scene. He maintained personal and professional relationships with artists such as Jean-Michel Basquiat, Andy Warhol, and Keith Haring, sharing exhibitions, studios, and a commitment to raw, emotionally charged figuration. His work also reflects the influence of earlier modern masters including Pablo Picasso and Willem de Kooning.
Today, Keil’s paintings are held in major private and institutional collections worldwide, and his work is widely recognized for its immediacy, color, and expressive power.
Condition
Very good vintage condition. Light surface texture and handling marks consistent with age and the artist’s working method. The frame shows minor wear commensurate with age.
A strong and highly collectible 1970s work by Peter Robert Keil, offering scale, presence, and direct connection to the European and New York neo-expressionist movements.
Creator
Peter Robert Keil (German, b. 1942)
Origin
Germany / United States
Date
Circa 1970s
Medium
Oil on cardboard
Dimensions
Framed: 27 in H × 34 in W
Signature
Signed lower left “P. Keil”
Shipping is available throughout Canada, and the United States.
For our U.S. customers, in order to create a seamless shopping experience, we are pre-clearing all orders into the U.S. and prepaying all customs, duties and potential tariffs. What you pay at checkout is the final total with no surprise charges due upon delivery.
Questions? Contact our support team or click here to view our Shipping Policy.