Mario Avati (French, 1921-2009), Autour d'une tranche de pasteque, 1969 Color
Mario Avati (French, born Monaco, 1921–2009) was a painter and printmaker active in Paris and best known for his mastery of mezzotint, a demanding intaglio process highlighting shape and light. Avati became one of the major modern practitioners of the medium, often using still-life subjects, eggs, fruit, shells, objects, and dark staged interiors to create quiet, surreal compositions. His work is represented in major print collections including the National Gallery of Art and the Smithsonian American Art Museum.
Autour d’une tranche de pastèque, 1969, is a color mezzotint printed in black with blue, red, yellow, green and orange on cream wove paper. The composition sets a bright slice of watermelon within a dark geometric interior, where a tall blue glass and curved forms break apart into overlapping planes. Inscribed in graphite “ESSAI 3/9” lower left, denoting trial proof 3 of 9, titled “AUTOUR D’UNE TRANCHE DE PASTÈQUE” lower center, and signed and dated “AVATI 69” lower right. Sheet measures approximately 18.75 x 14.75 inches; image measures approximately 10.875 x 9 inches. Overall good appearance. Light toning with minor handling and a few faint marks in the margins. Remnants of mounting tape appear along the upper edge verso. Colors remain strong and the image presents well. Provenance of Martin and Enid Gleich.
Condition
Please review the photos for a complete understanding of condition.
Dimensions
18.75 x 14.75 in
Estimate
Reserve
Time, Location
Auction House
Mario Avati (French, born Monaco, 1921–2009) was a painter and printmaker active in Paris and best known for his mastery of mezzotint, a demanding intaglio process highlighting shape and light. Avati became one of the major modern practitioners of the medium, often using still-life subjects, eggs, fruit, shells, objects, and dark staged interiors to create quiet, surreal compositions. His work is represented in major print collections including the National Gallery of Art and the Smithsonian American Art Museum.
Autour d’une tranche de pastèque, 1969, is a color mezzotint printed in black with blue, red, yellow, green and orange on cream wove paper. The composition sets a bright slice of watermelon within a dark geometric interior, where a tall blue glass and curved forms break apart into overlapping planes. Inscribed in graphite “ESSAI 3/9” lower left, denoting trial proof 3 of 9, titled “AUTOUR D’UNE TRANCHE DE PASTÈQUE” lower center, and signed and dated “AVATI 69” lower right. Sheet measures approximately 18.75 x 14.75 inches; image measures approximately 10.875 x 9 inches. Overall good appearance. Light toning with minor handling and a few faint marks in the margins. Remnants of mounting tape appear along the upper edge verso. Colors remain strong and the image presents well. Provenance of Martin and Enid Gleich.
Condition
Please review the photos for a complete understanding of condition.
Dimensions
18.75 x 14.75 in
Estimate
Reserve
Time, Location
Auction House
