Georges Braque, Oiseaux (Birds), 1962

Artist: Georges Braque (1882 - 1963)
Title:Oiseaux (Birds), 1962
Reference:Vallier 178
Medium:Color Lithograph on Arches paper
Image Size:12 3/8 in x 10 1/2 in (31 cm x 26 cm)
Sheet Size:22 3/8 in x 16 5/8 in (56.8 cm x 42.2 cm)
Framed Size:28 1/4 in x 25 1/8 in (71.8 cm x 63.8 cm)
Edition:Numbered from the edition of 75 in pencil in the lower left, published by XXe Siècele, Paris, printed by Mourlot, Paris.
Signature:This work is hand-signed by Georges Braque (Argentueil, Val-d’Oise, 1882 – Paris, 1963) in pencil in the lower right.
Condition:This work is in excellent condition.
ID #w-5744

Historical Description

Georges Braque Oiseaux (Birds), 1962 is a colorful lithograph which was originally published for XXe Siècle. XXe Siècle was an art magazine produced by Gualtieri di San Lazzaro, and each issue was themed around either a region or an artist. The original lithographs produced within each volume were accompanied by poems, articles and essays. It is unsurprising Braque was invited to participate, given that he was already a well-known artist when the magazine began publishing. The prints were often chosen by the artist for that edition of the magazine alone. Due to sporadic printing, XXe Siècle journals are highly collectible.

In this lithograph, Braque revisits his beloved bird imagery. Several birds appear with wings spread wide in the midst of flight. Their forms are outlined in black and become more and more imperceptible as the eye travels downwards. The forms near the bottom of the paper resemble clouds which seem to envelope the birds. The background sky is colored a pale pink which contrasts alluringly against the black coloring of the birds. This dreamy image offers a sense of balance and peace to any viewer.

Created in 1962, this color lithograph on Arches paper is hand-signed by Georges Braque (Argentueil, Val-d’Oise, 1882 – Paris, 1963) in pencil in the lower right, numbered from the edition of 75 in pencil in the lower left, published by XXe Siècele, Paris, printed by Mourlot, Paris.

Catalogue Raisonné & COA:
Georges Braque Birds (Oiseaux), 1962 is fully documented and referenced in the below catalogue raisonnès and texts (copies will be enclosed as added documentation with the invoices that will accompany the sale of the work.

1. Vallier, Dora. Braque: The Complete Graphics. New York: Gallery Books, 1982. Listed and illustrated as catalogue raisonné no. 178.
2. A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany this color lithograph.

About the Framing:
Framed to museum-grade, conservation standards Georges Braque Birds (Oiseaux), 1962 is presented in a complementary moulding and finished with silk-wrapped mats and optical grade Plexiglas.

 

Subject Matter: Birds