Original vintage Romanian oil on canvas by Augustin COSTINESCU (1943-2021), signed lower left and dated [19]80 (1979 on the back). An abstract landscape depicting the famous Piața Moșilor (Calea Moșilor) in Bucharest, Romania, in precise brushstrokes. Neutral beiges, browns, and greys combine to create a fluid view of the street, where buildings, people, and cars have no defined contours. Instead, their borders almost blend into each other. Shapes and their colors are the only indicator of what the subject may be.

Calea Moșilor was the first street paved with cobblestones in Wallachia (a Romanian province) in 1825, and was undergoing significant change at the time that this painting was produced. Between 1978 and 1982, some of the old historic streets were demolished and replaced with 10-story apartment blocks, while the road was widened to four lanes with integrated tram tracks. This piece seems to capture a view before communist change.

Born near Arad in Western Romania, COSTINESCU graduated in 1969 from the “Nicolae Grigorescu” Fine Arts Institute in Bucharest. Living behind the Iron Curtain, as a young painter, he exhibited in various locations in Romania. In 1973, he became a member of the Union of Plastic Artists of Romania. Following this, his works were exhibited internationally, in countries including Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Germany, Poland, Slovakia, and later Italy, Austria, and France.

In gold wood frame and in very good vintage condition. Note the paper on the back is original and sold as is.

35 x 25 cm (image) • 14 x 10 in

55 x 45 cm (frame) • 22 x 18 in