Mario Avati (French, 1921-2009), De tout un peu, 1968 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.
De tout un peu, 1968, is a mezzotint printed in black on cream Rives wove paper. The composition gathers an assortment of small objects including buttons, paper clips, screws, washers, scissors, razor blades, pins, and other pieces of hardware into a dense pile that spreads from the left across a dark tabletop. Individual forms emerge through softly burnished highlights against Avati’s velvety black ground, while several razor blades and elongated tools extend toward the comparatively open space at right. Inscribed in graphite “ESSAI 2/9” lower left, titled “DE TOUT UN PEU” lower center, and signed “AVATI” and dated “68” lower right, denoting trial proof 2 of 9. Partial BFK Rives watermark visible under light. Verso inscribed “1-11.” Sheet measures approximately 18.75 x 14.75 inches; image measures approximately 11.5 x 5.75 inches. Overall good appearance. Light toning with a faint mat line and minor handling in the margins. 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
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Time, Location
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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.
De tout un peu, 1968, is a mezzotint printed in black on cream Rives wove paper. The composition gathers an assortment of small objects including buttons, paper clips, screws, washers, scissors, razor blades, pins, and other pieces of hardware into a dense pile that spreads from the left across a dark tabletop. Individual forms emerge through softly burnished highlights against Avati’s velvety black ground, while several razor blades and elongated tools extend toward the comparatively open space at right. Inscribed in graphite “ESSAI 2/9” lower left, titled “DE TOUT UN PEU” lower center, and signed “AVATI” and dated “68” lower right, denoting trial proof 2 of 9. Partial BFK Rives watermark visible under light. Verso inscribed “1-11.” Sheet measures approximately 18.75 x 14.75 inches; image measures approximately 11.5 x 5.75 inches. Overall good appearance. Light toning with a faint mat line and minor handling in the margins. 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
