A Dictionary of Dutchness

Cobra

Cobra was Europe’s post World War II avant-garde art movement which takes its name from the initials of its members’ capital cities: Co-penhagen, Br-ussels and A-msterdam. It was founded in 1948 and lasted until 1951. The art is semi-abstract expressionism with brilliant colour, violent brushwork and distorted figures. Dutch members of the movement include Karel Appel and Anton Constant.