Mario Avati (French, 1921-2009), Credo, 1962 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.
Credo, 1962, is a mezzotint printed in black on cream wove paper. The composition presents a shallow pedestal cup beneath a suspended plumb bob, set beside a tall cylindrical container on a narrow ledge. Across the dark field appears the fragmented, stencil-like Latin phrase “cRedo / quia Ab- / SurduM,” with an isolated lowercase “a” at right. Inscribed in graphite “ESSAI 2/9” lower left, denoting trial proof 2 of 9, titled “CREDO…” lower center, and signed “AVATI” lower right. Sheet measures approximately 18.75 x 14.75 inches; image measures approximately 13.625 x 9.5 inches. Overall good appearance. Light toning with a rectangular mat line surrounding the image, minor handling, and soft creasing in the lower-right margin. 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.
Credo, 1962, is a mezzotint printed in black on cream wove paper. The composition presents a shallow pedestal cup beneath a suspended plumb bob, set beside a tall cylindrical container on a narrow ledge. Across the dark field appears the fragmented, stencil-like Latin phrase “cRedo / quia Ab- / SurduM,” with an isolated lowercase “a” at right. Inscribed in graphite “ESSAI 2/9” lower left, denoting trial proof 2 of 9, titled “CREDO…” lower center, and signed “AVATI” lower right. Sheet measures approximately 18.75 x 14.75 inches; image measures approximately 13.625 x 9.5 inches. Overall good appearance. Light toning with a rectangular mat line surrounding the image, minor handling, and soft creasing in the lower-right margin. 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
