Paul Megens (1956) – 'Behave old man, behave!' (2006)
This monumental artwork is a shrewd, visual narrative about human vanity and the confrontation with aging. With a healthy dose of irony, Megens depicts an old man who—against his better judgment—attempts to attract the attention of younger women.
Characteristics of the work
Title: 'Behave old man, behave!'
Year: 2006 (an early and rare large work from this period)
Technique: Acrylic on canvas (stretched on a sturdy wooden frame)
Dimensions: 140 x 100 cm (landscape format)
Style: Expressionist with influences from the Cobra movement and Pop Art elements.
Visual Analysis
The painting is dominated by two abstract, mask-like figures that stare intently at the viewer. The Use of Color: Megens employs an explosive palette of saturated red, deep purple, and bright yellow, set against cool blue accents. The background is composed of countless 'dots' and dynamic lines, creating a vibrant energy.
The Symbolism: The figures are distorted and fragmented; one figure is characterized by a large, piercing eye and green lips, while the other wears an almost bird-like beak and a blue 'mask'. The floating lines above the heads suggest both confused thoughts and a last vestige of fiery passion.
The Message: The title 'Behave old man, behave!' lends the work a humorous, almost tragicomic layer. It criticizes the inability to age with dignity, captured in a composition that feels both cheerful and uncomfortable.
Why this work?
Thanks to its generous size of 140 x 100 cm, this is a true "statement piece" that can transform an entire room. It is not only a decorative object, but a conversation starter that captures the spirit of the times and human emotions in a unique way.
Status: For sale. A unique opportunity to acquire a large and meaningful early work by Paul Megens.
Specifications
ConditionVery goodColorsMulti ColorMaterialCanvasNumber of items1OrientationLandscapeArt sizeLargeHeight100 cmWidth140 cm