Mario Avati (French, 1921–2009), Chats-huants, 1961 Etching and Aquatint
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.
Chats-huants, 1961, is an etching and aquatint printed in black on cream BFK Rives wove paper. The composition depicts two wide-eyed owls perched together beneath a pale moon, their densely textured plumage emerging from a dark, mottled ground above a rough horizontal branch. Inscribed in graphite “ESSAI 8/9” lower left, denoting trial proof 8 of 9, titled “CHATS-HUANTS” lower center, and signed and dated “AVATI 61” lower right. A BFK Rives watermark is visible in the sheet. Sheet measures approximately 18.75 x 14.75 inches; image measures approximately 9.5 x 7.25 inches. Overall good appearance. Light toning with a broad rectangular mat line, minor handling and scattered small spots in the margins, and remnants of mounting tape along the upper edge verso. Deckled lower and right edges. 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.
Chats-huants, 1961, is an etching and aquatint printed in black on cream BFK Rives wove paper. The composition depicts two wide-eyed owls perched together beneath a pale moon, their densely textured plumage emerging from a dark, mottled ground above a rough horizontal branch. Inscribed in graphite “ESSAI 8/9” lower left, denoting trial proof 8 of 9, titled “CHATS-HUANTS” lower center, and signed and dated “AVATI 61” lower right. A BFK Rives watermark is visible in the sheet. Sheet measures approximately 18.75 x 14.75 inches; image measures approximately 9.5 x 7.25 inches. Overall good appearance. Light toning with a broad rectangular mat line, minor handling and scattered small spots in the margins, and remnants of mounting tape along the upper edge verso. Deckled lower and right edges. 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
