Mario Avati (French, 1921–2009), Trois poissons sur un journal, 1966 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.
Trois poissons sur un journal, 1966, is a mezzotint printed in black on cream wove paper. The composition presents three elongated fish arranged across a dark field of overlapping newspaper fragments, their sharply pointed silhouettes and circular white eyes set against partially visible French text. Inscribed in graphite “EPREUVE D’ARTISTE X/X” lower left, denoting artist’s proof 10 of 10, titled “3 POISSONS SUR UN JOURNAL” lower center, and signed and dated “AVATI 66” lower right. Sheet measures approximately 19 x 14.875 inches; image measures approximately 10.375 x 8 inches. Overall good appearance. Light toning with minor handling and a few small scattered marks in the margins; faint discoloration 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
19 x 14.875 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.
Trois poissons sur un journal, 1966, is a mezzotint printed in black on cream wove paper. The composition presents three elongated fish arranged across a dark field of overlapping newspaper fragments, their sharply pointed silhouettes and circular white eyes set against partially visible French text. Inscribed in graphite “EPREUVE D’ARTISTE X/X” lower left, denoting artist’s proof 10 of 10, titled “3 POISSONS SUR UN JOURNAL” lower center, and signed and dated “AVATI 66” lower right. Sheet measures approximately 19 x 14.875 inches; image measures approximately 10.375 x 8 inches. Overall good appearance. Light toning with minor handling and a few small scattered marks in the margins; faint discoloration 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
19 x 14.875 in
Estimate
Reserve
Time, Location
Auction House
