R.B. KITAJ

R.B. KITAJ – The Painter (Cross & Chimney)

Set of 4 Identical Postcards (Muse Productions)

This rare set of four high-quality postcards features the striking image The Painter (Cross & Chimney) by renowned artist R.B. Kitaj. Produced by Muse Productions, this collectible set (MU1948) highlights Kitaj’s signature blend of narrative depth, symbolism, and bold modernist energy.

Each postcard is brand new and printed to an excellent standard. The reverse side includes a small descriptive note about the artwork, making these cards perfect for collectors, framing, research, or gifting.

• Publisher: Muse Productions
• Manufacturer: Muse Productions (MU1948)
• Format: Set of 4 identical postcards
• Dimensions: approx. 15 cm × 10.8 cm each
• Condition: BRAND NEW / Unused

Excellent rare memorabilia for admirers of modern art, postcard collectors, or enthusiasts of R.B. Kitaj’s expressive and intellectually charged work.

About the Artist – R.B. Kitaj

R.B. Kitaj (1932–2007) was an influential American-born British artist known for his vibrant, intellectually layered paintings that combine modernist aesthetics with literary, political, and cultural references. He was a central figure in the post-war British art scene and a key member of the London School of painters, earning recognition for his dynamic draftsmanship, bold color use, and psychologically complex compositions.

Kitaj’s work is often described as a conversation between personal history and global thought—drawing on philosophy, Jewish identity, literature, memory, and the human condition. His visual storytelling made him one of the most distinctive voices in late 20th-century art.

About the Artwork – The Painter (Cross & Chimney)

The Painter (Cross & Chimney) is a strong example of Kitaj’s layered visual language. The work blends autobiographical elements with symbolic forms, offering a portrait of the artist that is both literal and metaphorical. Kitaj frequently used self-referential imagery, exploring the role of the artist as an interpreter of culture, history, and personal identity.

The “Cross & Chimney” motif alludes to recurring themes in Kitaj’s work—industrial structures, architectural forms, and symbolic shapes that anchor his compositions. These elements often serve as bridges between the physical world and the inner landscape of thought, belief, and memory.

Through expressive lines, striking contrasts, and a carefully considered palette, the artwork highlights Kitaj’s balance of emotional immediacy and intellectual complexity. It remains a celebrated example of his ability to merge figurative painting with conceptual depth.

View Larger Scans

Click any image below to view a full-size scan of the item.