Braque - Chagall - Leger - Picasso - Art Selections

BOURGEOIS BRAQUE CHAGALL DE VLAMINCK LE CORBUSIER LÉGER PICASSO ROUAULT VILLON WARHOL

MODERN MASTERS

LOUISE BOURGEOIS

Louise Bourgeois (1911-2010)

Plate 5 of 9 from He Disappeared Into Complete Silence engraving Signed lower right, "L. Bourgeoise 1946" 8 x 6 in.

1946 - 1947 artist proof aside from the edition of 44 original price: $80,000 reduced price: $68,000

GEORGES BRAQUE

Georges Braque (1882-1963) Les Trois Oiseaux en Vol

Etching and aquatint in colors Signed in pencil lower right, "G Braque" Numbered in pencil lower left "47/75" Image: 29 1/4 x 22 3/8 in.

Sheet: 29 1/4 x 22 3/8 in.

1961 original price: $22,000 reduced price: $14,500

Line patterns add a dynamic effect to the three birds in flight — two black and one a lighter shade — against an organically shaped white mass that Braque might have intended as a cloud against the brilliant yellow background. The work continues the avian theme that gained momentum in 1955.

Georges Braque (1882-1963) L'Oiseau Blanc

Lithograph in colors Signed in pencil lower right, "G Braque" Numbered in pencil lower left, "68/75" Image: 14 x 11 1/2 in.

Sheet: 24 x 18 5/8 in.
 1961 original price: $20,000 reduced price: $14,000

In 1955, Braque received a commission to decorate the ceiling of the Etruscan gallery at the Louvre, on which he depicted giant blue birds.

This piece underscores the importance of this iconic, archetypal theme in the artist’s late works. Initially treated figuratively and texturally, the birds became increasingly abstract. He distills them into signs and ideograms thrust into spaces or pictograms that float in harmony with nature.

Georges Braque (1882-1963) L'Envol

Color lithograph Signed in white pencil lower right, "G Braque" Numbered in white pencil lower left, "29/75" 25 1/2 x 20 in.

1960 origial price: $20,000 reduced price: $14,000

Depicting a blue bird soaring in flight against a seemingly cutout and textured lighter-blue sky, L'Envol
was among many pieces Braque created after his 1955 visit to the bird sanctuary in Camargue, which stirred his imagination and confirmed his fascination with birds.

Georges Braque (1882-1963) Résurrection de l'Oiseau

Color lithograph Hand signed in pencil lower left, "G Braque" Marked in pencil lower left, "Bon à tirer" 15 1/4 x 11 1/4 in.

B.T., from the edition of 225 1958 original price: $20,000 reduced price: $14,000

Braque created three lithographs to illustrate Résurrection de l'Oiseau, published in Paris by Maeght with text by Frank Elgar (a pseudonym for art historian Roger Lesbats), who approached the project as a tribute to the artist. He described the bird as a cultural and spiritual symbol, representing the embodiment of immortality, and suggested that Braque freed the winged creature as a central figure in his visual language.

Georges Braque (1882-1963)

L'Oiseau de Feu (L'Oiseau XIII) Original lithograph Signed in pencil lower right, "G Braque" Numbered in pencil lower left, "26/75" Image: 15 1/2 x 14 3/4 in.

Sheet: 24 7/8 x 21 3/4 in.
 1958 original price: $20,000 reduced price: $16,500

A white bird seems to glide through an enclosed black oval-shaped space against a mustardy background. Braque created this image shortly after visiting the bird sanctuary in Camargue and painting giant birds on the ceiling of a gallery at the Louvre.

Georges Braque (1882-1963) Petit Oiseau Sur Fond Noir

Original aquatint Hand signed in pencil lower right, "G Braque" Numbered in pencil lower left, "66/70" Image: 8 3/4 x 12 in.

Sheet: 14 3/4 x 18 3/4 in.
 1958 original price: $17,000 reduced price: $13,000

Inspired by the poetry of writer Saint-Pol Roux, this work features a white dove with wings extended against a black background. By integrating the texture and grooves of the printmaking and aquatinting process, Braque renders the dove more realistic, with expressive strokes and sweeping motions that emulate the wings of the bird in flight.

Georges Braque (1882-1963) Migration

Etching on Rives paper Signed in pencil lower right, "G Braque" Numbered in pencil lower left, "42/90" Image: 9 1/4 x 6 3/4 in.

Sheet: 21 5/8 x 17 in.
 1962 original price: $18,000 reduced price: $12,000

The symbolism of birds soaring in flight is at once superbly beautiful and deeply inspirational. The creatures represent joy and happiness, or the freedom in pursuing a love of your own choosing, and always look to the future.

Georges Braque (1882-1963) Résurrection de l'Oiseau

Color lithograph Hand signed in pencil lower left, "G.B." Marked in pencil lower left, "Bon à tirer" 15 x 11 in.

From the unnumbered edition of 225 1958 original price: $16,000 reduced price: $11,000

Braque created three lithographs to illustrate Résurrection de l'Oiseau, published in Paris by Maeght with text by Frank Elgar (a pseudonym for art historian Roger Lesbats), who approached the project as a tribute to the artist. He described the bird as a cultural and spiritual symbol, representing the embodiment of immortality, and suggested that Braque freed the winged creature as a central figure in his visual language.

Georges Braque (1882-1963) TĂŞte en Profil et l'Etoile

Etching and aquatint in colors Signed in pencil lower right, "G Braque" Numbered in pencil lower left, "35/50" Image: 11 3/4 x 9 3/4 in.

Sheet: 15 x 11 1/4 in.

1960 original price: $16,000 reduced price: $10,000

A bold figure turned in profile stares into the sky, marveling at a star, which exudes a blue wash of a shadow, accounting for most of the color in the picture. Other organically shaped elements define the background and foreground in an abstract fashion.

Georges Braque (1882-1963) Bird VII

Lithograph Stamped lower right Image: 8 3/4 x 12 1/2 in.

Sheet: 13 x 19 3/4 in.

From the unnumbered edition of 75 1954 original price: $14,000 reduced price: $8,500

Birds fascinated Braque as early as 1929, when he created illustrations for Hesiod’s ThÊogonie. In the mid 1950s, he began a series depicting birds in flight. This work reflects the bas-relief aesthetic that distinguishes his later work, including this lithograph from 1956.

Braque built up layers of paint to create the thick, deep background onto which his birds could take flight.

Georges Braque (1882-1963)

Les Oiseaux Fulgrants, from Lettera Amorosa

Color lithograph Signed in pencil lower right, "G Braque" Numbered with Roman Numerals in pencil lower left, "XIII/XV" 15 x 11 in.

AP of 15, from the edition of 75 1963 original price: $15,000 reduced pricel: $9,000

The dazzling birds, as the French title translates, appeared among 29 original lithographs that illustrated the book Lettera Amorosa, the book of love letters published by Edwin Engelberts and printed by Mourlot, with text by RenĂŠ Char.

Georges Braque (1882-1963) Thalassa 1

Etching in colors Signed in pencil lower right, "G Braque" Image: 4 x 10 1/4 in.

Sheet: 14 3/8 x 18 5/8 in.

From the unnumbered edition of 60 1959 original price: $14,000 reduced pricel: $12,000

In this etching, the figure seems to move, as its limbs appear to glide against the green background. Braque created several variations of this image in different colors.

Georges Braque (1882-1963)

Frontice Piece for "Braque Lithographe" Color lithograph Signed in pencil lower right, "G Braque" 13 1/2 x 10 1/4 in.

From the unnumbered edition of 115
 1961 original price: $12,000 reduced pricel: $6,500

A bold black gesture encircles the red flowers with violet outlines in this dynamic work, which was among three lithographs in Braque Lithographe, a 1963 catalog by Fernand Mourlot, edited by Andre Sauret.

Georges Braque (1882-1963) Les Etoiles (after Georges Braque) Color lithograph Signed in pencil lower right, "G Braque" Numbered in pencil lower left "79/300" 18 1/8 x 24 1/8 in.
 original price: $10,500 reduced price: $9,000

Evoking a sense of tranquil serenity, a bird soars effortlessly at the center of the composition, frozen in flight. In the background, a dark starry sky emerges, with washes of blue on tan. This work boasts strong contrast with a deeply saturated background and lightly colored center image, causing the bird to pop as the focal point.

Georges Braque (1882-1963)

Bord de Mer (after Georges Braque) Color lithograph Signed in pencil lower right, "G Braque" Numbered in pencil lower left, "242/300" Image: 9 3/8 x 23 in.

Sheet: 18 1/2 x 29 3/4 in.
 1960 original price: $10,000 reduced price: $9,000

An expressive view of Braque’s connection with the sea, this lithograph depicts two weathered fishing boats abandoned on the rock-dotted shore, their masts piercing the horizon line. He abstracted the image to emphasize the foreground and the power of the sea. The shapes on the right side of the image are thought to be an abstract representation of the sun as time passes. Its color reflects in the smaller boat.

Georges Braque (1882-1963)

The Bird and It's Nest (after Georges Braque) Color lithograph Signed on the plate lower right and in pencil lower right, "G Braque" Numbered in pencil lower left, "52/300" Image: 13 1/2 x 20 in.

Sheet: 15 7/8 x 21 7/8 in.

1956 original price: $9,500 reduced price: $8,500

Reflecting the artist’s mature style, this piece explores Audubon iconography, as Braque uses subtle color variations to depict bird flight and habitat. Characterized by varying tonal values and reductions of form, this image of a bird returning to her full nest was published

by Maeght as part of a series of lithographs and etchings based on Braque’s watercolors, gouaches, and paintings.

Georges Braque (1882-1963)

Grenade et Pipe (after Georges Braque) Color lithograph Printed on plate lower right, "G Braque" Image: 12 1/2 x 7 in.

Sheet: 15 1/2 x 19 1/4 in.

1957 original price: $9,000 reduced price: $6,000

The Cubist image breaks down the objects into simple geometry with sharp angles and deliberate curves, while changing color values help define the background and foreground. This work is from the portfolio “Espace,” with text by Daniel Jacomet, published by Au Vent d’Arles and printed by L’Imprimier Union a Paris.

Georges Braque (1882-1963)

Black Pitcher and Lemons (after Georges Braque) Etching and aquatint in colors Signed in pencil lower right, "G Braque" Numbered in pencil lower left, "59/200" Image: 14 3/4 x 17 3/4 in.

Sheet: 19 3/4 x 24 5/8 in.
 1956 original price: $9,000 reduced price: $4,500

Rich and bold in color, this beautifully composed and balanced still life has a dark hue punctuated by bursts of bright yellow and green as well as the line pattern on the tablecloth. The fruits in the picture draw the eye, as other objects on the table, including the pitcher and the plate, are rendered in black and blend into the background.

Georges Braque (1882-1963) La Bonne Heure

Etching and aquatint in color Signed in pencil lower right, "G Braque" Marked in pencil lower left, "épreuve d'artiste" Image: 4 1/2 x 3 in.

Sheet: 9 3/8 x 6 1/2 in.

1955 original price: $12,000 reduced price: $7,500

This little gem bursts with energy. With minimal color — mostly bold black gestures and only a hint of blue, which the artist could have intended as a shadow — Braque serves up a wonderfully abstract flower blossom framed in black.

Georges Braque (1882-1963) Fleurs Bleues

Woodcut in color Signed in pencil lower right, "G Braque" Numbered in pencil lower left 69/70 18 5/8 x14 1/4in.
 1962 original price: $16,000 reduced price: $9,500

Two violets blossom as their petals fall in lyrical fashion. The strong blue forms a clear contrast to the white underground. Birds, which have long played a central role in Braque’s art, appear subtly, formed abstractly by four petals underneath the blossoms.

MARC CHAGALL

Marc Chagall (1887-1985)

One plate from: Sur la Terre des Dieux Original color lithograph Signed in pencil lower right, "Marc Chagall" Numbered in pencil lower left, "25/75" Image: 17 1/2 x 14 in.

Sheet: 25 3/8 x 19 1/2 in.

From the edition of 75 1967 original price: $38,000 reduced price: $32,000

This dreamlike print exemplifies the artist’s distinctive and deeply personal artistic vision. Executed in iridescent, delicate colors, One plate from: Sur la Terre des Dieux features three figures, including one rendered in red to resemble a dancing devil and two nude females.

One of the female figures holds a selection of fruit. Set against a bright blue, yellow and green background, the action exudes a poetic harmony. The gentle glow of light lends a pictorial cohesion and compositional unity while evoking the fantastical, imaginary context.

Marc Chagall (1887-1985) Homage to Elsa Triolet

original color lithograph Signed in pencil lower right, "Marc Chagall" Numbered in pencil lower left, "19/20" Image: 17 x 14 in.

Sheet: 25 1/2 x 19 3/4 in.

From the edition of 20 1972 original price: $17,000 reduced price: $14,000

Chagall depicted the French writer and muse Elsa Triolet in profile, wearing a necklace and holding a book open to an image of a bouquet of flowers. A bird rests atop her head with its wings spread and beak ajar, as if it’s chirping. Triolet has a content look on her face, as a half moon and hints of the village below.

MAURICE DE VLAMINCK

Maurice de Vlaminck (1876-1958)

Apres I'Orage after de Vlaminck

collotype with pochoir Signed in pencil lower right, "Vlaminck�. Edition in pencil lower left, "399/400" Image: 17 1/4 x 20 5/8 in.

Sheet: 22 x 24 3/4 in. edition 399/400 1956 original price: $6,000 reduced price: $4,500

LE CORBUSIER

Le Corbusier (1887-1965) UnitĂŠ, Planche 9 after Le Corbusier

color aquatint and etching Signed lower left, "Le Corbusier, Bon a tirer, le 9 nov 63". Also signed on the plate lower right, "9, L-C, 11.8.53".

Image: 16 1/2 x 12 1/2 in.

Sheet: 22 1/2 x 17 7/8 in. from the unnumbered edition of 130 1963 original price: $17,000 reduced price: $12,000

Le Corbusier (1887-1965)

UnitĂŠ, Planche 14 after Le Corbusier color aquatint and etching Signed lower right, "Le Corbusier". Also signed on the plate, lower right, "14, L-C, 13-8-53".

Image: 16 1/2 x 12 1/4 in.

Sheet: 22 3/8 x 18 in. from the unnumbered edition of 130 1963 original price: $17,000 reduced price: $14,000

Le Corbusier (1887-1965)

Unité, Planche 16 after Le Corbusier color aquatint and etching Signed lower right, “Le Corbusier” Also signed on the plate, lower right, "L-C 16 13, 8, 53" Image: 16 1/4 x 12 1/4 in.

Sheet: 22 3/8 x 17 3/4 in. from the unnumbered edition of 130 1963 original price: $17,000 reduced price: $12,000

Le Corbusier (1887-1965)

UnitĂŠ, Planche 18 after Le Corbusier color aquatint and etching Signed lower right, "Le Corbusier". Also signed on the plate, lower right, "18, L-C, 14-8-53" and middle left, "Les oiseaux".

Image: 16 3/8 x 12 1/4 in.

Sheet: 22 1/2 x 17 3/4 in. from the unnumbered edition of 130 1963 original price: $17,000 reduced price: $14,000

Le Corbusier (1887-1965) Modulor after Le Corbusier

color lithograph Signed lower right, "Paris, 20/2-56: Le Corbusier" Initialed middle right of plate, "L-C, 50".

Image: 27 5/8 x 21 in.

Sheet: 28 3/4 x 21 1/4 in.

1956 original price: $15,000 reduced price: $9,500

FERNAND LÉGER

Fernand Léger (1881-1955)

Le Femme et la Fleur

Color lithograph Signed in pencil lower right, "F Leger" Numbered in pencil lower left, "63/75" Image: 27 x 21 in.

Sheet: 29 3/4 x 24 7/8 in.

From the edition of 75 1954 original price: $22,000 reduced price: $18,000

A woman dressed in shades of yellow and blue stands next to a blooming plant and gazes toward the viewer. Her deep black hair contrasts her pale peach skin. She’s positioned slightly behind the plant, suggesting she might be shy, but also continuing a theme in Léger’s work where places the woman next to a natural object to communicate a sense of harmony between two living beings.

Fernand Léger (1881-1955) Femmes et Enfants a l'Accordeon

Original serigraph Signed in pencil lower right, “FLeger” Numbered in pencil lower left, "33/200", "F.L.50.5"1 on lower right corner of plate and a symbol in the top left corner of plate.

Image: 18 x 13 3/8 in.

Sheet: 21 7/8 x 14 7/8 in.

From the edition of 200 1955 original price: $17,000 reduced price: $14,500

Female figures gather around a child playing an accordion. Léger depicted the nude figures in his signature style of thick, abstract forms, heavily outlined in black. The figure on the left holds a flower out as if in an offering of peace. The figures appear at ease, gazing at each other and toward the viewer. They appear comfortable, enjoying a musical performance. Leger uses strong contrasts, causing the figures to pop out against the chestnut brown background.

PABLO PICASSO

Pablo Picasso (1881-1973)

Tete d'Homme Autete d'Homme au Maillot Raye Aquatint and soft ground etching in colors Dedicated lower middle in pencil “Pour Aldo Crommelynck Picasso” with a second signature lower middle, “Picasso”.

Dated upper right in the plate in reverse “14.8.64” Image: 16 3/8 x 12 1/2 in.

Sheet: 22 1/8 x 16 1/8 in.

An artist proof apart from the edition of 50 1964 original price: $100,000 reduced price: $87,000

This lithograph exudes the playfulness that characterized the body of similar works from the summer of 1964. The gestural work punctuates his fun color and energetic line to draw the viewer’s attention to the happy disposition of the subject.

Pablo Picasso (1881-1973) Fumeur (Smoker)

Aquatint and soft ground etching in colors Signed in pencil lower right, “Picasso”. Marked in pencil lower left "épreuve d’artiste". Dated upper right in the plate in reverse “14.8.64” Image: 16 3/8 x 12 3/8 in.

Sheet: 22 1/4 x 16 in.

An artist proof apart from the edition of 50 1964 original price: $100,000 reduced price: $87,000

This image offers a playful rendering of the smoker (fumeur), a theme that Picasso explored during the summer of 1964. This gestural work punctuates brilliant color and energetic line to draw the viewer’s attention to the reflective attitude of the subject.

Pablo Picasso (1881-1973) Le Danseur (Dancer)

Original linocut in colors Signed in pencil lower right, "Picasso". Numbered in pencil lower left. Dated in the plate in reverse upper right, "23.5.62" Image: 25 x 20 3/4 in.

Sheet: 29 1/2 x 24 3/8 in.

From the edition of 200 1965 original price: $55,000 reduced price: $32,500

Boldly composed with rich tones and opaque shapes, Le Danseur (Dancer) evokes a sense of ambiguity and mystery. Picasso used simple shapes and lines to create a complex, abstract portrait of a dancer. Shapes overlap and intersect to create various textures, highlights, and shadows of the face. Using brown as the highlight to an otherwise black scene, the dark tones create an intimate experience for the viewer.

GEORGES ROUAULT

Georges Rouault (1871-1958)

Aide-Bourreau (Portant un des Bois de la Croix) color etching and aquatint Signed in pencil lower right, “Georges Rouault�

Image: 17 1/2 x 13 3/8 in. from the unnumbered edition of 270 1936 original price: $8,500 reduced price: $5,500

Georges Rouault (1871-1958) Chemineau (Vagabond) from Passion

color etching and aquatint Signed in pencil lower right, “Georges Rouault�

Image: 11 5/8 x 8 in.

Sheet: 17 1/2 x 13 3/8 in. from the unnumbered edition of 270 1935 original price: $8,500 reduced price: $5,500

JACQUES VILLON

Jacques Villon (1875-1963) Nature Morte after Georges Braque oil on canvas Signed in pencil lower right, "G Braque" Numbered in pencil lower left, "108/200".

Image: 23 1/4 x 8 5/8 in.

Sheet: 26 1/8 x 11 3/4 in.

Edition 108/200 1923 original price: $15,000 reduced price: $9,000

ANDY WARHOL

Andy Warhol (1928-1987) Hammer & Sickle

Screenprint Warhol Foundation stamps on verso Image: 30 x 40 1/8 in.

Board: 32 1/2 x 42 1/2 in.

Unique TP apart from edition of 50 +10 AP 1977 original price: $65,000 reduced price: $45,000

Warhol began depicting the Hammer and Sickle in 1976 after seeing the symbol from the Soviet flag used in graffiti while visiting Italy. The icon represents the union of industrial and farm workers’ interests. To Warhol, the symbol was more Pop than politics. One of his assistants scoured books for reproductions and ultimately purchased a doubleheaded hammer and a sickle and arranged them in different positions to photograph. Warhol used the images for his series of silkscreens, which New York’s Castelli Gallery exhibited in 1977. His almost expressionist use of the hammer and sickle diffuses some of the Cold War tension that prevailed from the early 1940s through the 1980s.