La Rose est Nue no VI - Unique Version by Max Ernst, 1891-1976

Max Ernst, 1891-1976
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La Rose est Nue no VI - Unique Version

Original etching with open-bite and engraving printed in colours. 1961. Signed in pencil. Inscribed in pencil as 'Essai - Trial Proof'. A unique version with reverse printing and variant colours. No edition or other impressions in this form. In the issued form published by J. Hugues as no 6 in the series: La Rose est Nue, Paris 1961. Printed at the Visat Studio.
Very rare.
Ref: Spiess-Leppien Ernst Graphic Work no 78 variant.

Extremely fine hand-printed experimental proof impression. On pale cream stiff wove paper. Excellent condition; some typical working proof ink and thumb marks in the margins etc Full margins as printed. Sheet: 11 1/8 x 8 7/8ins. Plate: 8 1/8 x 6 1/4ins (207x160mm)

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An exceptional pair of unique experimental proofs which demonstrate the constant and outstanding creativity of Ernst?s whole approach to the medium of etching.

At the beginning of the 1960?s Ernst was at a peak of fascination with the visual creativity which was possible through the medium of colour etching. Georges Visat, at whose studio in Pais he was regularly working, had introduced him to whole new ways of working the surface of the plates, but Ernst was also fascinated by the way that the superimposition of differing plates, and the actual inking, could create unique effects.

In 1960/61 he was working on a series of compositions inspired by the writing of the poet Leclerq. He wanted six compositions, but in working on the plates he found that he could also create unique effects by, for instance, reversing a plate and then overprinting another on it. The pair of compositions here, unique impressions of which no editions exist, show the beauty of inking, texture and visual effect that he could achieve through such experimentation.