Tęte - Pour Beckett. Head - For Beckett by Max Ernst, 1891-1976

Max Ernst, 1891-1976
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Tęte - Pour Beckett. Head - For Beckett

Original etching with aquatint and mixed techniques in colours. 1967. Signed in pencil. Inscribed as 'essai' (trial proof). A trial proof with variant colours from any of the editions. Total issued edition of 135 (in three editions of 45 in differing colours) plus 10 proofs. Printed at the studio of Visat. Editions issued for: Beckett - An Abandoned Work, 1965/67.
Ref: Spiess-Leppien Ernst Graphic work no 112.

Superb impression with excellent colours. On pale cream wove paper. Excellent condition. Full margins. Sheet: 14 7/8ins x 10 7/8ins. Plate: 8 1/4 x 6 3/4ins ( 210x172mm)

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A superb and probably unique trial proof.

In the years after the War Ernst made many of his finest etchings working at the studio of Georges Visat in Paris. Visat was extraordinarily gifted as a print technician and under his influence Ernst became fascinated by the visual effects that could be achieved by complex sequences of overprinting, variations in ink densities and random colour effects. Linked to the inspiration in the actual biting of the plate surface which he had learned from Stanley Hayter at Atelier 17, in both Paris and New York, during the late 1950?s and at the beginning of the 1960?s Ernst drew some outstanding prints. Tęte Pour Beckett, above, is an extremely fine example of the creativity of his work at this date. He has used the random effects of open-bitten line, blending of colour and richness of texture to brilliant effect. They are linked to a quality of imagery which originates in the dream or hallucinatory forms of Ernst?s 1930?s Surrealism but translated into a new dynamic post-war abstraction.

This impression is a proof before the edition; it uses unique colours and inking-effects to create a totally individual effect. Such experimentation with inks and printing is characteristic of the constant creativity of Ernst?s printmaking at its finest.