Mario Avati (French, 1921-2009), La Bonne Aventure, 1968 Color Mezzotint
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.
La Bonne Aventure, 1968, is a color mezzotint printed on cream wove paper. The composition shows an owl with its wings spread, perched on the back of a chair above a dark cabinet inset with four brightly colored decorative panels. Inscribed in graphite “ESSAI 2/9” lower left, denoting trial proof 2 of 9, titled “LA BONNE AVENTURE” lower center, and signed and dated “AVATI 68” lower right. Sheet measures approximately 19 x 15 inches; image measures approximately 16.25 x 13.125 inches. Overall good appearance. Light toning with minor handling and a faint mat line, with a remnant of mounting tape 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
19 x 15 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.
La Bonne Aventure, 1968, is a color mezzotint printed on cream wove paper. The composition shows an owl with its wings spread, perched on the back of a chair above a dark cabinet inset with four brightly colored decorative panels. Inscribed in graphite “ESSAI 2/9” lower left, denoting trial proof 2 of 9, titled “LA BONNE AVENTURE” lower center, and signed and dated “AVATI 68” lower right. Sheet measures approximately 19 x 15 inches; image measures approximately 16.25 x 13.125 inches. Overall good appearance. Light toning with minor handling and a faint mat line, with a remnant of mounting tape 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
19 x 15 in
Estimate
Reserve
Time, Location
Auction House
