Les Oiseaux Blancs, 1958. White Birds. by Georges Braque, 1882-1963

Georges Braque, 1882-1963
Scroll down for information.
Click here to return to the list.

Les Oiseaux Blancs, 1958. White Birds.

Original lithograph in colours. 1958. Signed in pencil. Inscribed in pencil by Braque as a Proof H.C. - Hors Commerce, proof for the printer before the edition. Also signed in the stone. Issued edition of 75 signed impressions. Printed at the studio of Mom-lot, Paris 1958. Issued by Galerie Maeght, 1958. (Note: A version with added lettering and unsigned was used as an exhibition poster)
Ref: Vallier - Braque L'Oeuvre Grave no 11

Excellent very strong impression. On pale cream wove Arches paper. Generally excellent original condition; the outer bottom margin with a flattened horizontal fold from previous framing. Full margins. Sheet: 27 5/8x19 ins. Image overall: 22 x 16 l/8ins (560x410mm).

This item is sold.
Click here to enquire about this item.

A really beautiful large-scale expression of Braque's favourite later theme of the soaring birds, executed with the a wonderful free painterly handling of the brushed strokes of ink against the source of brilliant light in the white/cream surface of the paper.

This work was drawn in the middle of the 1950's when Braque really felt himself liberated from the pressures and repressions, both physical and mental, which the War had brought. There was a spirit of rebirth and release which can be felt throughout European art and literature, the idea that art could again express joy. For Braque the birds that he had seen soaring freely in the sky whilst he had hidden himself away from the war in the Limousin and the Pyrenees became a symbol of the new reborn liberty and freedom of life.