Mario Avati (French, 1921–2009), Le ciel de lune, 1955 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.
Le ciel de lune, 1955, is a mezzotint printed in black on cream wove paper. The composition presents a moonlit cityscape along a river, with a continuous row of closely spaced buildings and chimneys extending above a broad arched bridge. A pale full moon hangs in the otherwise unbroken dark sky, while the bridge and waterfront are reflected in the water below. Inscribed in graphite “EPREUVE D’ARTISTE 8/10” lower left, denoting artist’s proof 8 of 10, titled “LE CIEL DE LUNE” lower center, and signed and dated “AVATI 55” lower right. Sheet measures approximately 18.5 x 14.75 inches; image measures approximately 11.5 x 10 inches. Overall good appearance. Light toning with minor handling and a few small scattered marks in the margins; faint plate impression and minor surface marks visible on the verso. Image presents well. Provenance of Martin and Enid Gleich.
Condition
Please review the photos for a complete understanding of condition.
Dimensions
18.5 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.
Le ciel de lune, 1955, is a mezzotint printed in black on cream wove paper. The composition presents a moonlit cityscape along a river, with a continuous row of closely spaced buildings and chimneys extending above a broad arched bridge. A pale full moon hangs in the otherwise unbroken dark sky, while the bridge and waterfront are reflected in the water below. Inscribed in graphite “EPREUVE D’ARTISTE 8/10” lower left, denoting artist’s proof 8 of 10, titled “LE CIEL DE LUNE” lower center, and signed and dated “AVATI 55” lower right. Sheet measures approximately 18.5 x 14.75 inches; image measures approximately 11.5 x 10 inches. Overall good appearance. Light toning with minor handling and a few small scattered marks in the margins; faint plate impression and minor surface marks visible on the verso. Image presents well. Provenance of Martin and Enid Gleich.
Condition
Please review the photos for a complete understanding of condition.
Dimensions
18.5 x 14.75 in
Estimate
Reserve
Time, Location
Auction House
