André Derain (French, 1880 - 1954)

"A Penitent", 1943. Woodblock print on Madagascar paper, signed and numbered 148/275, depicting a hooded subject with candle. From an extra suite of prints (275 total), separate from those that illustrate the book "Pantagruel" written by François Rabelais, and containing 179 woodcuts by Derain. Bonfoey gallery label verso, matted in wood framed, 18.25" X 16.5" overall. Provenance: Daniel M. Fawcett Estate private collection, Pittsburgh, PA.

8⅝" x 7⅝" plate

Derain's prints for "Pantagruel" are considered to be his masterpiece of book illustration, and a landmark in modern book production. The work took Derain three years to complete, in part because his house was requisitioned during World War II, and the blocks locked inside. In the printing, each block was inked in multiple copies on a single block, making each illustration essentially a multi-color monoprint.

Condition: Good, not examined out of frame.