Jos Manders wall relief made in The Netherlands 1971

Rare Wall Relief by Jos Manders, The Netherlands, 1971 — Provenance from the Artist’s Family. This rare and captivating wall relief by Jos Manders, created in 1971, is a compelling example of Dutch minimalism rooted in the aesthetics of the Zero movement. Executed in white-painted polyester, the work features two convex disc-like forms emerging from a rectangular panel, a serene and meditative composition that transforms subtly with shifting light and shadow. Its sculptural depth and restraint of palette invite reflection and reward close observation, making it a perfect focal point in refined interiors, galleries, or architectural spaces. The nice gentle size allows it to easily hang it on a lost and small piece of wall in any modern home or interior.

Acquired directly from the artist’s family, the provenance lends significant value and authenticity to this already rare piece. It is in excellent original condition, preserving the precision and purity of Manders’ original intention. According to the family, an unknown number of these works were made, making it a rare piece.

This work is representative of Manders’ exploration of abstraction, material innovation, and quiet spatial tension, themes central to postwar European avant-garde. As with much of his output, this relief belongs to a limited body of surviving works, making it a rare opportunity for collectors and curators focused on underrepresented voices in mid-century European art.

Jos Manders was born in Eindhoven, the Netherlands, on March 8, 1932, and passed away in Bergeijk in 1978. He studied at the Academy for Industrial Design in Eindhoven, and is considered one of the Dutch artists who, during the 1960s, was inspired by the principles of the Zero movement. His work primarily consisted of minimalist reliefs and sculptural objects, most often executed in white-painted PVC and polyester, with only a limited number of these works surviving today.

Manders is best known for his Communicatie series — a body of work exploring modular form and spatial relationships. His prominence was acknowledged with a solo exhibition at the Van Abbemuseum in 1970, and his reliefs were also featured in the prestigious 4th Documenta in Kassel in 1968. Despite his relatively brief career, Manders’ work remains an important contribution to postwar European abstraction and Dutch minimalism.

• • Very good condition