Artwork Description
Matei Sandu Serban – Malta
Dimensions: 19.15 x 21.5″ finished size / 19.15 x 21.5″ size type
Year: 1995
Medium: oil on wood
Matei Sandu is a Romanian contemporary artist, who Traian Alexandru Filip regarded as a brother. Matei’s father was the Romanian State Poet, and Matei served as Traian Filip’s apprentice in the Romanian State Engraving Studios. Traian Filip was the head of Romania’s State Engraving Studios during the harsh reign of Nicolae Ceausescu, and Matei Sandu was his assistant. When Traian later escaped Romania, Matei came to spend time with him in New Hope, Pennsylvania, where Traian had his studio. Upon Traian’s death, Matei returned to the U.S. to finish printing Traian’s etching editions and cancel the plates for his friend. Malta is an excellent example of Matei’s work, and shows evidence of his respect for and relationship with master artist Traian Fliip.