1950s Abstract Prints

This exquisite lithograph after Pablo Picasso (1881–1973), titled Femme au singe (Woman with Monkey), from Verve, Revue Artistique et Litteraire, La Comedie Humaine (The Human Comedy), Vol. VIII, No. 29–30, originates from the 1954 issue published by Editions de la revue Verve, Paris, under the direction of Teriade, Editeur, Paris, and printed by Mourlot Freres, Paris, 1954. This expressive and evocative composition captures Picasso’s enduring fascination with the circus and the human condition, recurring themes throughout his long career. Femme au singe reflects the artist’s profound empathy for the performers of his imagination—figures of strength, fragility, and grace that embody the drama and poetry of life itself. Executed during his Vallauris period, this work radiates vitality and emotional tension, merging his signature economy of line with masterful balance and movement. Executed as a lithograph on velin du Marais paper, this work measures 10.5 x 14 inches. Unsigned and unnumbered as issued. The edition exemplifies the superb craftsmanship of the Mourlot Freres atelier, renowned for its collaborations with Picasso and other leading modernists of the 20th century. Artwork Details: Artist: After Pablo Picasso (1881–1973) Title: Femme au singe (Woman with Monkey), from Verve, Revue Artistique et Litteraire, La Comedie Humaine (The Human Comedy), Vol. VIII, No. 29–30, 1954 Medium: Lithograph on velin du Marais paper Dimensions: 10.5 x 14 inches Inscription: Unsigned and unnumbered as issued Date: 1954 Publisher: Editions de la revue Verve, Paris, under the direction of Teriade, Editeur, Paris Printer: Mourlot Freres, Paris Condition: Well preserved, consistent with age and medium Provenance: From Verve, Revue Artistique et Litteraire, La Comedie Humaine (The Human Comedy), Vol. VIII, No. 29–30, published by Editions de la revue Verve, Paris, 1954 Notes: Excerpted from the album (translated from French), This double issue of Verve, dedicated to Picasso, whose cover was specially composed by the artist, was completed to print on September 15, 1954 by the maitres imprimeurs, Drager freres for the heliogravures, and Mourlot freres for the color lithographs. Excerpted from the publisher (translated from French), Last winter, from mid-December to the end of January 1954, Picasso was working indefatigably on this series of drawings, which rank among the finest, boldest, most poignantly human of all he has produced in the course of his long and brilliant career... Almost one could fancy that in his lonely nights at Vallauris these denizens of a world invented by himself crowded into the artist's room, sat for him, confessed unblushingly their most shameful secrets... We have published the series of drawings in its entirety. They form an organic whole, born of a surging uprush of the creative spirit, and to have omitted any of its elements would have been a mutilation. Nevertheless, when we isolate any one of these elements and fix our attention on a single page, we find the fragment almost as eye-filling as the ensemble. All the drawings are printed in the exact size of the originals and in the chronological order of their making. About the Publication: La Comedie Humaine (The Human Comedy), Vol. VIII, No. 29–30 (1954), stands as one of the most significant Verve issues dedicated entirely to Pablo Picasso’s prolific creativity during his Vallauris years. Conceived and directed by Teriade, this double volume presents an extraordinary series of Picasso’s drawings executed between December 1953 and January 1954, printed in their full sequence and original scale. The collection represents a deeply human and poetic vision—an unfiltered exploration of comedy, tragedy, and the theatre of life. Printed by the master atelier Mourlot Freres for the color lithographs, this issue exemplifies Verve’s tradition of pairing literary sophistication with visual innovation. It stands as a testament to Picasso’s restless genius and Teriade’s enduring commitment to producing artistically and historically important publications that bridge art, literature, and modern printing craftsmanship. About the Artist: Pablo Picasso (1881–1973) was a Spanish painter, sculptor, printmaker, and ceramicist whose extraordinary vision revolutionized modern art and defined the visual language of the 20th century. A child prodigy from Malaga, Spain, Picasso’s career spanned more than seven decades and encompassed an astonishing range of styles and innovations—from the melancholic Blue and romantic Rose periods to his pioneering invention of Cubism with Georges Braque, which shattered conventional notions of perspective and form. Influenced by the bold expressiveness of El Greco, the structure of Cezanne, and the vitality of African and Iberian sculpture, Picasso became a central figure of the Paris avant-garde, working in creative dialogue with contemporaries such as Henri Matisse, Alexander Calder, Alberto Giacometti, Salvador Dali, Joan Miro, Wassily Kandinsky, Marcel Duchamp, and Man Ray. His insatiable experimentation extended across painting, drawing, printmaking, ceramics, and sculpture, forever expanding the boundaries of artistic expression. A master of reinvention, Picasso profoundly shaped generations of artists who followed—from Andy Warhol, Roy Lichtenstein, David Hockney, and Jean-Michel Basquiat to Jeff Koons and Banksy—cementing his status as a timeless cultural icon whose works remain among the most sought after worldwide. His landmark painting Les Femmes d’Alger (Version “O”) achieved a record-breaking sale of $179,365,000 at Christie’s, New York, on May 11, 2015, affirming Picasso’s enduring legacy as one of the most influential and valuable artists in history. After Pablo Picasso Femme au singe, Picasso Verve...

Untitled Color lithograph, 1959 Unsigned (as issued) From: Derriere Le Miroir, No. 113, 1959 Publisher: Editions Pierre a Feu Editor: A. Maeght Small edition as it appeared in the ma...

This exquisite lithograph by Joan Miro (1893–1983), titled Sans titre (Untitled), from the folio Derriere le miroir, No. 87–89, originates from the 1956 edition published by Maeght E...

An original French Surrealist lithograph in colors by Jean Cocteau (1889-1963), titled "Tete un Profil", 1950. This wonderful original lithograph by Jean Cocteau depicts a beautiful ...

Lithograph on vélin d'Arches paper. Inscription: Unsigned and unnumbered. Good condition. Notes: From the folio, Une Aventure méthodique, 1950; published by Fernand Mourlot, Paris, a...

This exquisite lithograph by Raoul Ubac (1910–1985), titled Sans titre (Untitled), from the folio Derriere le miroir, No. 74-76, originates from the 1955 edition published by Maeght ...

This exquisite lithograph after Juan Gris (1887–1927), titled Le Moulin a Cafe I (The Coffee Grinder I), from the folio Au Soleil du Plafond (In the Sunlight of the Ceiling), origina...

This exquisite lithograph by Marc Chagall (1887–1985), titled L’Ange du soir (The Evening Angel), from Contes de Boccace, peintures du manuscrit des ducs de Bourgogne, Bibliotheque d...

Lithographie. Coloured lithograph on paper, edited in 1952. Limited edition of 120 copies, numbered as 33/120 in lower left corner. Hand-signed by artist in pencil in the lower righ...

Lithograph on vélin d'Arches paper. Inscription: Unsigned and unnumbered. Good condition. Notes: From the folio, Une Aventure méthodique, 1950; published by Fernand Mourlot, Paris, a...

"Animated Formation" Abstract Aquatint Etching Abstract Aquatint Etching by Katherine "Kay" Metz (b. 1932-2018.)This dynamic print by Kay Metz straddles the line between organic and...

Original aquatint etching “Untitled” by the Germans artist, Ferdinand Springer. Signed in lower right margin in pencil by the artist and dated 1951. Condition is excellent. Edition size in pencil in lower left margin 98/200. Sheet size (full) is 115 by 22.75. Image size is 9.75 by 18.75. The artwork is housed in a thin antique silver contemporary frame. Overall framed measurements are 19.5 by 27 inches. Under glass. Provenance: A St. Petersburg, Florida collector. Ferdinand Springer, painter and printmaker, was born to a German father and a Swiss mother in Berlin on October 1, 1907. After graduating from high school in Potsdam, he studied art history at the University of Zurich. He began painting in 1927 and visited Milan where he met the Italian painters Giorgio Morandi and Carlo Carrà. Springer moved to Paris in 1928 where he studied with Roger Bissière at the Académie Ranson. In 1932, he learned intaglio techniques at Atelier 17 in Paris and, in 1937, he traveled to New York where he exhibited at the Julian Levy Gallery. During this time he met Alexander Calder and Salvatore Dali...

La Pique (The Pike) Lithograph, 1950 Original lithograph drawn with chalk and "frottage textures" transferred to stone, 1950. Unsigned printer's proof Inscribed on the verso in Mourl...

Lithograph, 1959 Handsigned by the artist in pencil and numbered 234/275 Publisher : Maeght (Paris) Catalog : [Maeght 1036] 20.00 cm. x 30.50 cm. 7.87 in. x 12.01 in. (paper) 10.00 ...

Artist: Henri Matisse (after) Title: Souvenirs d'Oceanie Portfolio: The Last Works of Henri Matisse Medium: Lithograph Year: 1958 Edition: 2000 Framed Size: 17" x 17" Sheet Size: 14"...

Lithograph on vélin paper. Unsigned and unnumbered, as issued. Notes: From the volume, XXe Siècle, vol. n°7, 1956. Published and printed under the direction of Gualtieri di San Lazza...

Vin - From the 12 plate Portfolio, 1959 Published by Denise Rene, Paris Lithograph in colors on heavy paper 20 x 26 inches Numbered in pencil, edition of 126/150 AUGUSTE HERBIN (18...

B/W lithograph on watermarked paper "Arc". Abstract composition signed, titled and dated on the lower margin in pencil by the French artist Jean Dubuffet. From the cycle of "Texturologie" (1953-1959). In excellent conditions. Jean Dubuffet (Le Havre 1901 - Paris 1985) Best known as the founder of the contemporary art movement called Art...

André Masson, French (1896 -1987) - Light Blue Composition, Medium: Aquatint (unsigned), Image Size: 13 x 10 inches, Size: 15 x 11 in. (38.1 x 27.94 cm), Description: From the co...

Lithograph on vélin d'Arches paper. Inscription: Unsigned and unnumbered. Good condition. Notes: From the folio, Une Aventure méthodique, 1950; published by Fernand Mourlot, Paris, a...

This exquisite heliogravure after Henri Matisse (1869–1954), titled Francoise Rabelais (Francois Rabelais), from the album Portraits par Henri Matisse (Portraits by Henri Matisse), o...

Johnston, Ynez. UNTITLED. Etching, not dated (but likely 1950s). Edition of 20, signed in pencil and numbered 4/20. 6 7/8 x 9 inches (plate), 8 x 10 5/8 inches (sheet). In excellent ...

Lithograph, 1957 Handsigned by the artist in pencil and annoted HC Publisher : Le musée de Poche (Paris) Printer : Jean Pons (Paris) Catalog : Polieri, 1746 50.50 cm. x 66.00 cm. 19...

Aquatint, 1953 Handsigned by the artist in pencil and numbered VI/XV Printer : Fiorini 65.50 cm. x 50.00 cm. 25.79 in. x 19.69 in. (paper) 43.00 cm. x 33.50 cm. 16.93 in. x 13.19...

Lithograph on vélin paper. Inscription: Unsigned and unnumbered, as issued. Good condition. Notes: From Derrière le miroir, N° 117, 1959. Published by Aimé Maeght, Éditeur, Paris; pr...

Vendredi - Plate 10 from the 12 plate Portfolio, 1959 Published by Denise Rene, Paris Lithograph in colors on heavy paper 20 x 26 inches Signed, dated and numbered in ink, edition 20...

The Black Birds is a lithograph published by Maeght after an original composition by Georges Braque in 1958. Braque authorized and selected certain works to be reproduced by his tru...

Lithograph on vélin paper. Inscription: Unsigned and unnumbered, as issued. Good condition. Notes: From Derrière le miroir, N° 105-106, 1958. Published by Aimé Maeght, Éditeur, Paris...

This exquisite collotype after Pablo Picasso (1881–1973), from the portfolio Picasso, Carnet de la Californie, originates from the rare 1959 folio published by Editions Cercle d'Art,...

Lithograph on vélin paper. Inscription: Unsigned and unnumbered, as issued. Good condition. Notes: From Derrière le miroir, N° 105-106, 1958. Published by Aimé Maeght, Éditeur, Paris...

Lithograph on paper realized by Dubuffet in 1958. Artist proof, hand signed and dated in pencil lower right. Very good condition.

This exquisite collotype after Pablo Picasso (1881–1973), titled Visage d'homme, profil gauche (Man’s Face, Left Profile), originates from the rare 1957 folio 40 dessins de Picasso e...

Lit d'épluchures is an original B/W lithograph realized by the French founder of Art Brut, Jean Dubuffet. Very good condition. Image Dimensions: 51 x 30 cm. The artwork represent...

Amas is an artwork realized by Jean Dubuffet (Le Havre 1888 - 1985 Paris), 1959. Sheet 17 for the portfolio Eaux, Pierres, Sable. Lithograph. Artist Proof. Signed, dated and tit...

Victor VASARELY Geometric Composition, 1958 Lithograph and stencil (Jacomet workshop) On wove paper 31 x 24 cm (c. 12 x 10 in) Edited by San Lazarro, 1958 Excellent condition

From the estate of Jerry and Ruth Opper "Cave Drawings" 1950 Stone Lithograph on Paper 25"x19.5" paper 21.25"x14.75" site Unframed Titled and dated lower le...

Lithograph, 1953 Handsigned by the artist in pencil and numbered 27/100 Printer : Jean Pons (Paris) LCD5358

Vintage Poster Galerie Louis Carré is a lithograph and offset print realized by André Lanskoy in 1957. Good conditions except for slight cutting and foldi...

Artist: Joan Miro Title: Joan Miro (Plate 4) Portfolio: Joan Miro Medium: Original lithograph Year: 1956 Edition: Unnumbered Frame Size: 15 1/2" x 14 1/4" Sheet Size: 9" x 7 1/2" Sig...

Barnet, Will. AWARENESS OF DAWN. Szoke 101, Cole 99, Johnson 85. Color Lithograph, 1951. Edition of 18, titled and signed in pencil. Printed on Arches paper by Barnet and Robert Blackburn. Estate of the artist via Swann Galleries...

SALE ONE WEEK ONLY "I. Traces grotesques" is an Artist’s Proof Lithograph. “Proofs” are either pulled or printed, and the artist has the option to work out the color and quality issues as they come out of the process. The only real difference between the two is the restricted quantity of prints bearing the AP designation and not the quality of the print. This lithograph is signed and titled by the artist, Jean Dubuffet, which indicates his complete satisfaction with the print. It is from 1958 and a perfect example of his style, “Art Brut.” His idealistic approach to aesthetics embraced what is called “low art”, art by non-academically trained artists. It is sometimes referred to as “outsider art.” He did study briefly at the Academie Julian, Paris, but eventually followed his own aesthetics which eschewed traditional standard of beauty in favor of what he believed to be a more authentic and humanistic approach to image-making. This lithograph expresses the beauty he found in the meandering spontaneous black line. Jean Dubuffet began painting at the age of seventeen and studied briefly at the Academie Julian, Paris. He painted off and on for the next 20 years. It was not until 1942 in the midst of WWII in France that he began the work which has distinguished him as an outstanding innovator in postwar Europe. It is said of his work that “he looked to the margins of the everyday – the art of prisoners, psychics, the uneducated, and the institutionalized – to liberate his own creativity and coining the term ‘Art Brut’.” Art Brut is a French term that translates as ‘raw art’, to describe art such as graffiti or naïve art which is made outside the academic tradition of fine art. His paintings from the early forties in brightly colored oils were soon followed by works in which he employed such unorthodox materials as cement, plaster, tar and asphalt-scraped, craved and cut and drawn upon with a rudimentary, spontaneous line. Dubuffet worked in France and exhibited from the early forties on. He was included in the 1946 Pierre Matisse...

Homme couche et femme accroupie Lithograph on Arches paper, 1956 Signature stamp lower right )see photo) Annotated in pencil lower left: "epreuve d'artiste" (see p[hoto) Edition: 50...

Etching and aquatint, 1958 Handsigned by the artist in pencil and numbered 27/75 Publisher : Maeght Editeur, Paris Printer : Crommelynck et Dutrou, Paris Catalog : [Dupin 159, p. 130...

Artist: Alexander Calder Title: Derriere Le Miroir No. 141, Cover Year: 1963 Dimensions: 15" x 11" Published by Maeght Editeur Excellent condition

Artist: Henri Matisse (after) Title: Zulma Portfolio: The Last Works of Henri Matisse Medium: Lithograph Date: 1958 Edition: 2000 Frame Size: 21" x 15" Sheet Size: 14" x 10 1/2" Sign...

Lithograph on vélin paper. Unsigned and unnumbered, as issued. Good condition. Notes: From the volume, XXe Siècle, vol. n°9, 1957. Published and printed under the direction of Gualti...

Lithograph on vélin paper. Inscription: Unsigned and unnumbered, as issued. Good condition. Notes: From Derrière le miroir, N° 94-95, 1957. Published by Aimé Maeght, Éditeur, Paris; ...

Lithograph on vélin paper. Inscription: Unsigned and unnumbered, as issued. Good condition, with centerfold, as issued. Notes: From Derrière le miroir, N° 85-86, 1956. Published by A...

A Duet of two lithographs by Herni Matisse, both of the same motif - climbing ivy. 'Lierre en Fleur' is Signed on the plate by Matisse. Each piece is 14"x...

Medium: original lithograph. Printed in 1959 by Mourlot and published in Paris for the art revue XXe Siecle (issue number 12). Sheet size: 12 3/8 x 9 1/2 inches (313 x 240 mm). Signe...

Lithograph on vélin paper. Inscription: Unsigned and unnumbered, as issued. Good condition. Notes: From Derrière le miroir, N° 115, 1959. Published by Aimé Maeght, Éditeur, Paris; pr...

Engraving, 1958 Handsigned by the artist in pencil and annotated "Epreuve artiste" 22.00 cm. x 32.00 cm. 8.66 in. x 12.6 in. (paper) 11.00 cm. x 13.00 cm. 4.33 in. x 5.12 in. (imag...

"La Comedie Humaine VIII" Lithograph in Color on Thick Wove Paper After The Original. The plates executed under the direct supervision of Pablo Picasso. First edition, 1954. Printed ...

Nebula is an exciting intellectual piece that blends the artistic and scientific sensibilities of Miró. Composed of red, blue, yellow and green circles floating along a black ring, t...

Illumination is an original B/W lithograph on watermarked paper "Arc". Abstract composition by the French artist Jean Dubuffet. From the album of "Theatre du sol" (1953-1959). In exc...

The artist hand signed, numbered and dated this etching on its lower right margin. This is an edition of 100 prints. Good conditions. Giò Pomodoro (1930-2002) was an Italian sculpt...

Meduse Etching and aquatint printed in colors, 1958 Signed, titled, numbered and dated in pencil (see photos) Edition: 50 (25/50) Etching and aquatint printed in colors ...

Lithograph on vélin paper. Inscription: Unsigned and unnumbered, as issued. Paper Size: 15 x 22 inches, with centerfold, as issued. Notes: From Derrière le miroir, N° 113, published ...

utting a new spin on one of his favorite subjects, Léger here depicts tree trunks and logs as objects in space rather than related to the ground. The gnarled branches form an abstract still-life composition, twisting and turning in unanticipated directions. The earthy browns, greens, and yellows contrast with the bold black outlines. The logs appear as though arranged on a platter, presented to the viewer for contemplation. An intriguing aspect of this piece is the tiny box...

Five Ideas for Sculpture Lithograph, 1981 Signed and numbered in pencil by the artist lower margin. (see photos) Edition: (35/50) 50 There were also 15 Roman Numeral artist's proofs....