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

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

Original etching with aquatint and mixed techniques in colours. 1967. Signed in pencil. Inscribed as 'essai' - a trial proof with variant colours. Total issued edition from the plate of 135 impressions in three editions of 45 with differing colours. Printed at the Visat Studio, Paris 1965. Issued edition for the series: Beckett - An Abandoned Work, Stuttgart 1967.
Ref: Spiess-Leppien 'Ernst Grafik' no 112
Provenance: William Weston Gallery 1986.

Extremely fine impression with beautiful colours. On very pale cream japon nacre paper. Excellent condition. Full margins. Sheet: 15x10 7/8ins. Plate: 81/4x6 7/8ins (210x174mm)

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A beautiful trial proof with variant colours for one of Ernst's most striking etched compositions of the late 1960's period.

After the setback of the commercial failure of his exhibition in Paris in 1950, and his return to the USA, Ernst decided to try again in Paris in 1953. A major turning point in his career was winning the first prize at the Venice Biennale in 1954, and from that time onwards he had ever increasing success. During the late 1950's he continued to experiment with printmaking but one of the most significant factors for his work in this field was his association with the master etcher Georges Visat which began in the early 1960's. The facilities of the Visat studio, and Visat's own brilliant understanding of the medium, became a catalyst for further great inspiration for Ernst.

Head-For Beckett is an exceptionally fine example of Ernst's printmaking of the 1960's period. Ideas like the transfer of textural motifs from an unrelated object to the plate, blended inking and random surface work combine to create an image with a haunting dreamlike atmosphere, enhanced here by the harmony of the colours.