Carel Visser
(1928-2015)
Fruit Bowl with Shoulder Blades (1988)
Signed and dated ’88 on the underside
Cow's bones and silver, H. 37.4 cm
Provenance:
Collection Geertjan Visser (1931-2010), Retie, then by descent
Literature:
– Una Giornata al Mare – A choice from the collection of Geertjan Visser (exhibition catalogue), Kröller-Müller Museum, Otterlo, 1992, no. 71 (ill.)
– C. Blotkamp, Carl Visser. Genesis, The Hague/Scheveningen (Museum Beelden aan Zee), 2019, p. 116, no. 98 (ill.)
– J Boyens, I am not looking for an image, but for the image. The work of Carl Visser, Our Heritage Magazine, Volume 32, 1989, p. 542 (ill.)
Exhibited:
Kroller-Muller Museum, Otterlo, Una Giornata al Mare – A choice from the collection of Geertjan Visser, June 27 – November 1, 1992
Note:
Geertjan Visser (1931-2010) was, together with his brother Martin (1922-2009), one of the main and most influential collectors of his generation in the Netherlands. Today, the Kröller-Müller Museum in Otterlo houses over 400 works from their impressive collection, including works by artists like Lucio Fontana, Anselm Kiefer, and Bruce Nauman. The renowned 'Collection Visser' also includes art by the third brother, the successful sculptor Carel Visser (1928-2015).

The artwork Fruit Bowl with Shoulder Blades by Carel Visser showcases his constant pursuit of innovation and love for his materials. The piece features four cow shoulders that have been stripped of flesh and are presented in natural tones, with a silver mount that serves as the centerpiece. The stark contrast between the natural bones and the polished silver highlights the tension between the two worlds of nature and culture. The intricate details of the work, such as the natural neatness of the circumferential bands conforming to the protruding bones, paired with the soft and supple silver, create a shocking image that was previously unseen in the art world. This fusion of opposition and unusual materials can be compared to the work of renowned artists like Joseph Beuys and Mario Merz. Despite the elegant framing of the piece, the shoulder blades still retain a level of roughness that fits into Visser's concept of a “compelling image.”
* Condition report available upon request