Jack of Spades by Larry Rivers, b.1923

Larry Rivers, b.1923
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Jack of Spades

Original lithograph in colours. 1960. Signed and dated in pencil. Numbered from the edition of 35 impressions. Published by ULAE (Universal Limited Art Editions) New York, 1960.
An important and very rare work from the earliest period of Rivers abstract-expressionist printmaking.
Ref: Sparks Rivers Prints no 25

Superb rich impression with very fresh colours. On pale cream heavy wove paper. Generally excellent condition; a minor tear at the top sheet edge repaired. Printed to the full sheet size, as issued. Sheet: 41 1/2 x 29 3/4 ins (1055x755mm)

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An exceptional and very rare large-scale lithograph from the important very first period of Rivers' work in New York in 1960. An outstanding example of the creative lithography being drawn at ULAE in New York at this date. Extremely complex to print, the edition was restricted to just 35 impressions.

One of the most important early influences on Rivers was De Kooning, whose work he had come to admire in the 1950's after seeing the first abstract-expressionist painting in Europe. By the end of the 1950's Rivers was himself working in a brilliant free abstract-expressionist style, and his images of this date reveal a superb sensitivity to colour and stroke. In his 20's he had greatly admired French painters like Bonnard, and it is noticeable that there is a link between their soft post-impressionist colourism and his handling of pigment - or lithographic ink, as here, - in his free abstract works.

This lithograph has an exceptional quality of freely handled colour - luminous tones of blues and reds, gleaming greys and whites, soft pinks and magentas, - resulting in a luminosity and multi-surface quality which is extremely impressive.