Oiseaux sur Fond Rose. Birds on a Pink Background. by Georges Braque, 1882-1963

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

Oiseaux sur Fond Rose. Birds on a Pink Background.

Original lithograph in cream and pink inks. 1959/60. Signed in pencil. Inscribed by Braque as a proof 'H.C.' (Hors Commerce - proof for the printer before the edition). Issued edition of 70 signed impressions. Issued in the series: 'Tir a L'Arc' by Broder, Paris 1960. (Note: A version, unsigned and folded, was used as the cover for the album.) Printed at the studio of Desjobert, Paris 1960.
Ref: Vallier - Braque L'Oeuvre Grave no 153 (3)

Superb glowing impression on soft handmade off-white japan paper. Extremely fine
condition with perfect colours. Full margins, as printed. Sheet: 125/8x16 l/2ins. Image: 9 1/8 x 13 3/4ins. (230x350mm).

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

The poetic glow of soft colour in this composition - the bird shapes in the form of a pale cream 'cut-out' against the soft but luminescent pink of the background - underlines how Braque always thought of lithography not only as a creative medium but also from the point-of-view of design and ' arranged' composition. It is the combination of shape, colour and spatial arrangement which makes 'Birds on a Pink Background' such a visually and emotionally satisfying image.

The pink background in this composition was very difficult to print. It was a question of allowing the translucence of the ink to come through, and thus the light in the composition, whilst making sure that the ink tone was even. This example is perfectly balanced but not all impressions were successful.

Like 'Les Oiseaux Blancs', opposite, 'Oiseaux sur Fond Rose' uses the soaring bird theme which is so important a symbol in Braque's post second war work.