Robert Rauschenberg (American, 1925-2008), Spackle, 1990, Color Lithograph
Robert Rauschenberg (American, 1925–2008) was a central figure in postwar American art whose work helped bridge Abstract Expressionism, Neo-Dada, and Pop Art. Born in Port Arthur, Texas, he studied at the Kansas City Art Institute, Académie Julian in Paris, and Black Mountain College, where he worked with Josef Albers and formed important relationships with John Cage and Merce Cunningham. Rauschenberg became known in the 1950s for his “Combines,” which merged painting with found objects and everyday materials, challenging traditional distinctions between painting and sculpture. He later expanded these ideas through photography, lithography, screenprinting, and other print processes, often incorporating images from newspapers and popular culture. A prolific collaborator with major print workshops including Universal Limited Art Editions and Gemini G.E.L., Rauschenberg remained deeply involved in experimental printmaking throughout his career. His work is represented the Museum of Modern Art, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, Tate, and the National Gallery of Art.
Spackle, 1990, three-color lithograph on John Koller HMP handmade paper by Robert Rauschenberg. The composition layers a gray engraved portrait with the black silhouette of the Statue of Liberty, three red stars, and a horizontal red band. Printed by Mark Mahaffey and Rae Pomeranz Mahaffey and published by Gemini G.E.L., Los Angeles, the work was created to raise funds for Harvey Gantt’s 1990 campaign for the United States Senate. The work was issued in an edition of 250 with 50 artist’s proofs; this impression is numbered “70/250,” signed “Rauschenberg,” and dated “90” in graphite along the lower margin. The Gemini G.E.L. blindstamp appears at lower left, while the verso bears the stamped inscription “© Gemini G.E.L., Los Angeles,” additional Gemini blindstamps, and the graphite workshop number “RR90-1240.” Sheet measures approximately 6 x 4.5 inches. The sheet shows light toning and scattered age-related foxing, more apparent on the verso, with minor handling; image presents well. Provenance of Martin and Enid Gleich.
Condition
Please review the photos for a complete understanding of condition.
Dimensions
6 x 4.5 in
Sale price
Estimate
Reserve
Time, Location
Auction House
Robert Rauschenberg (American, 1925–2008) was a central figure in postwar American art whose work helped bridge Abstract Expressionism, Neo-Dada, and Pop Art. Born in Port Arthur, Texas, he studied at the Kansas City Art Institute, Académie Julian in Paris, and Black Mountain College, where he worked with Josef Albers and formed important relationships with John Cage and Merce Cunningham. Rauschenberg became known in the 1950s for his “Combines,” which merged painting with found objects and everyday materials, challenging traditional distinctions between painting and sculpture. He later expanded these ideas through photography, lithography, screenprinting, and other print processes, often incorporating images from newspapers and popular culture. A prolific collaborator with major print workshops including Universal Limited Art Editions and Gemini G.E.L., Rauschenberg remained deeply involved in experimental printmaking throughout his career. His work is represented the Museum of Modern Art, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, Tate, and the National Gallery of Art.
Spackle, 1990, three-color lithograph on John Koller HMP handmade paper by Robert Rauschenberg. The composition layers a gray engraved portrait with the black silhouette of the Statue of Liberty, three red stars, and a horizontal red band. Printed by Mark Mahaffey and Rae Pomeranz Mahaffey and published by Gemini G.E.L., Los Angeles, the work was created to raise funds for Harvey Gantt’s 1990 campaign for the United States Senate. The work was issued in an edition of 250 with 50 artist’s proofs; this impression is numbered “70/250,” signed “Rauschenberg,” and dated “90” in graphite along the lower margin. The Gemini G.E.L. blindstamp appears at lower left, while the verso bears the stamped inscription “© Gemini G.E.L., Los Angeles,” additional Gemini blindstamps, and the graphite workshop number “RR90-1240.” Sheet measures approximately 6 x 4.5 inches. The sheet shows light toning and scattered age-related foxing, more apparent on the verso, with minor handling; image presents well. Provenance of Martin and Enid Gleich.
Condition
Please review the photos for a complete understanding of condition.
Dimensions
6 x 4.5 in
Sale price
Estimate
Reserve
Time, Location
Auction House
