Mario Avati (French, 1921-2009), Le Perdreau, 1959 Etching
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.
Le Perdreau (The Partridge), 1959, is an etching with mezzotint printed in black on cream wove paper. The image places a partridge in flight within a circular field, its raised wings and elongated body built from an exceptionally dense web of fine, restless lines. The surrounding black square sharply contains the rounded composition. Inscribed in pencil “4e ÉTAT 5/19” at lower left, titled “LE PERDREAU” at lower center, and signed and dated “AVATI ’59” at lower right. This is the fifth of nineteen impressions from the fourth state, preceding the standard numbered edition of 105. Sheet measures approximately 18.75 x 14.875 inches; image measures approximately 11.625 x 11.5 inches. The sheet shows mild age toning and a faint handling crease in the lower margin, with deckled edges. Provenance of Martin and Enid Gleich.
Condition
Please review the photos for a complete understanding of condition.
Dimensions
18.75 x 14.875 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.
Le Perdreau (The Partridge), 1959, is an etching with mezzotint printed in black on cream wove paper. The image places a partridge in flight within a circular field, its raised wings and elongated body built from an exceptionally dense web of fine, restless lines. The surrounding black square sharply contains the rounded composition. Inscribed in pencil “4e ÉTAT 5/19” at lower left, titled “LE PERDREAU” at lower center, and signed and dated “AVATI ’59” at lower right. This is the fifth of nineteen impressions from the fourth state, preceding the standard numbered edition of 105. Sheet measures approximately 18.75 x 14.875 inches; image measures approximately 11.625 x 11.5 inches. The sheet shows mild age toning and a faint handling crease in the lower margin, with deckled edges. Provenance of Martin and Enid Gleich.
Condition
Please review the photos for a complete understanding of condition.
Dimensions
18.75 x 14.875 in
Estimate
Reserve
Time, Location
Auction House
