Mario Avati (French, 1921–2009), Nature morte au coquetier, 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.
Nature morte au coquetier—Still Life with Egg Cup—is a 1962 mezzotint on Rives wove paper, catalogued as Passeron 324. Against a nearly solid black interior, Avati places a target-like bird image at left and a solitary egg in a pedestal cup at right. Inscribed in pencil “Épreuve d’artiste VII/X” lower left, titled lower center, and signed and dated “AVATI ’62” lower right. The catalogue raisonné records 13 signed impressions of the third state and 100 signed impressions of the fourth state; this is a separately designated artist’s proof from a group of ten. Sheet measures approximately 14.875 × 18.625 inches; image measures approximately 11.5 x 10.5 inches. Light overall age toning with a faint prior mat line, scattered minor foxing primarily visible on the verso, and two old tape hinges at the upper verso edge. Image presents well. Provenance of Martin and Enid Gleich.
Condition
Please review the photos for a complete understanding of condition.
Dimensions
14.875 x 18.625 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.
Nature morte au coquetier—Still Life with Egg Cup—is a 1962 mezzotint on Rives wove paper, catalogued as Passeron 324. Against a nearly solid black interior, Avati places a target-like bird image at left and a solitary egg in a pedestal cup at right. Inscribed in pencil “Épreuve d’artiste VII/X” lower left, titled lower center, and signed and dated “AVATI ’62” lower right. The catalogue raisonné records 13 signed impressions of the third state and 100 signed impressions of the fourth state; this is a separately designated artist’s proof from a group of ten. Sheet measures approximately 14.875 × 18.625 inches; image measures approximately 11.5 x 10.5 inches. Light overall age toning with a faint prior mat line, scattered minor foxing primarily visible on the verso, and two old tape hinges at the upper verso edge. Image presents well. Provenance of Martin and Enid Gleich.
Condition
Please review the photos for a complete understanding of condition.
Dimensions
14.875 x 18.625 in
Estimate
Reserve
Time, Location
Auction House
