Les Citrons. Lemons. by Georges Braque, 1882-1963

Georges Braque, 1882-1963
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Les Citrons. Lemons.

Original lithograph in eight colours. 1958-63. Signed in pencil. Numbered in pencil from the signed edition of 75 impressions; there were also 25 signed proofs, and a subsequent unsigned album edition of 230 impressions. Printed at the studio of Mourlot, Paris 1962. Issued by Engleberts, Geneva 1963, for the series: Lettera Amorosa.
Ref: Vallier - Braque The Graphic Work no 187 (2).

Brilliant fresh impression with excellent colours. On pale cream wove Arches paper. Excellent condition. Full margins. Sheet: 15 x 11 1/8ins. Image approx: 10 x 9ins (255x230mm).

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A comparison of ?Les Citrons? with ?Coupe de Fruits?, opposite, underlines the richness of Braque?s approach to composition, and how the choice of medium affected his handling of the theme. Whereas shape and surface linked to colour are the elements which dominate in ?Coupe de Fruits? in ?Les Citrons' it is colour itself.

One of the essential qualities of lithography is the manner in which overprinted colours create a translucent surface through which the light of the surface of the paper continues to shine, linking with the colours of the inks themselves. In woodcut with the denser inks it is similar to working in gouache, overprinted colours like overworked brushstrokes creating opacity and density. In ?Les Citrons? it is this marvellous glistening colour which is paramount. The forms of the fruit in gleaming yellows and ochres, and the pattern of the green leaves, seem to float lightly on the sheet.

?Les Citrons? is one of the most famous compositions from the masterly last series of lithographs on which Braque worked over the years from 1958 to 1963.