Georges Braque, Le Signe (The Sign), 1954

Artist: Georges Braque (1882 - 1963)
Title:Le Signe (The Sign), 1954
Reference:Vallier 129
Medium:Color Lithograph with Arches watermark
Image Size:11 7/8 in x 7 5/8 in (30.2cm x 19.4 cm)
Sheet Size:19 3/4 in x 15 1/8 in (50.2 cm x 38.4 cm)
Framed Size:26 1/2 in x 22 1/4 in (67.3 cm x 56.5 cm)
Edition:Numbered from the edition 30 in pencil in the lower left margin; published by Maeght, Paris, printed by Mourlot, Paris.
Signature:This work is hand-signed by Georges Braque (Argenteuil-sur-Seine, 1882 - Paris, 1963) in pencil in the lower right margin.
Condition:This work is in excellent condition.
ID #W-5736
$10,000 $5,000

Historical Description

Braque Le Signe (The Sign), 1954 is an intricate and mysterious piece. This work comes from a period in Braque’s life in which he became considerably more involved with printmaking and with illustrating poetry. In many ways, Braque was creating his personal artistic language. Furthermore, this image manifests from Braque’s continual exploration of space and movement. He breaks down visual imagery into its most basic form and questions their impact even in this fundamental form. In this way, the delicate lines which compose this figure become the focal point of this piece. It is possible to derive multiple interpretations of this image. Some viewers may identify a curious character, others merely see interactive forms. It is this ambiguity which makes this a beguiling image. In the center of the gold colored background is a curious figure composed of circles and triangles. Cross shaped symbols are dotted along the figure creating a symmetrical visual field. The coloring is spectacular, as alternating shades of gold and yellow interlace to resemble the coloring of an ancient scroll. The gold background appears to have a brushed effect which enhances its textural quality. Overall the colors contrast wonderfully, creating a balanced composition.

Created in 1954, this color lithograph with an Arches watermark is hand-signed by Georges Braque (Argenteuil-sur-Seine, 1882 - Paris, 1963) in pencil in the lower right margin, numbered from the edition 30 in pencil in the lower left margin; published by Maeght, Paris, printed by Mourlot, Paris.

Catalogue Raisonné & COA:
Braque The Sign (Le Signe), 1954 is fully documented and referenced in the below catalogue raisonnés and texts (copies will be enclosed as added documentation with the invoices that will accompany the final sale of the work).

1) Vallier, Dora, Braque: The Complete Graphics, 1982. Listed and illustrated as catalogue raisonné no. 129

2) A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany this work.

About the Framing:
Framed to museum-grade, conservation standards, Braque The Sign (Le Signe), 1954 is presented in a complementary moulding and finished with silk-wrapped mats and optical grade Plexiglas.