20th Century Master Prints at Christopher-Clark Fine Art

The 20th century was a time of tremendous exploration and technical bravado in the realm of printmaking.  Many of world’s leading artists focused much of their creativity on the making of original prints, thus greatly enhancing their desirability to knowledgeable collectors.  We have long been a resource for outstanding examples of these original prints, including rare and experimental works that show the evolution of the art form.

Pablo Picasso: Femme au Fauteuill

La Femme au Fauteuil original lithograph November 1948 One of only six proof impressions	La Femme au Fauteuil original lithograph December 17, 1948 One of only six proof impressions	La Femme au Fauteuil original lithograph April 5, 1949 One of only six proof impressions

Miró Carborundums

Collectors of 20th century art often find themselves enamored of the carborundum prints of Joan Miro.  Though the artist dedicated a tremendous amount of energy to printmaking during his long and distinguished career, it was the carborundum technique, combined with etching and aquatint, that elevated many of his most critically accepted works.  In fact, the Museum of Modern Art mounted a special exhibition devoted to the carborundums in 1970.  We are currently featuring seven of these highly popular works, of which three are illustrated below.

Joan Miró The Gourd original etching, aquatint and carborundum1969	Joan Miró The Powerful Thinker etching, aquatint, drypoint and carborundum1969	Joan Miró The Brahman original aquatint, carborundum and scraper1978

We are currently featuring a number of important new additions to our collection.  Of particular interest are three extremely rare Picasso lithographs from a series that is considered his masterpiece in lithography, the Femme au Fauteuil.  There were only six impressions of each printed and there was no formal edition.

In November of 1948, Picasso attended a peace conference in Poland, at which time he acquired a striking coat made of embroidered leather and sheep’s wool.  After returning to France, he became fascinated with the idea of incorporating into his art both the coat and an exceptional antique chair that had take up residence in his studio.  That notion became the genesis for Femme au Fauteuil.  Further inspiration came from his lover and muse, Françoise Gilot, who became the model for this exemplary series.  They beautifully illustrate Picasso’s ingenuity with the lithographic medium – a technique in which he immersed himself in the late 1940’s – and to astonishing effect.

Miró’s Influence

Miro’s distinctive imagery and unique spatial arrangements often evoke a sense of wonder.  He masterfully weaves together dreamlike imagery, filled with fanciful creations that delight the eye, in a unique fashion that is simultaneously playful and sophisticated.  His work has influenced numerous other artists who are also featured in our collection, including Robert Motherwell and Alexander Calder.  

Robert Motherwell  Dance III (Red) original lithograph1988	Alexander Calder Environment and Evolution: Creation original lithograph1973