Born in 1896 in Balagny-sur- Thérain, a small village in France, André Masson spent most of his youth in Brussels, Belgium working as a pattern maker at an embroidery atelier. Masson began his schooling in 1907 at the Académie Royale des Beaux-Arts in Brussels. In 1912, he relocated to Paris, where he attended the École des Beaux-Arts. In 1914, the artist was called to military duty for the First World War, where he was severely wounded and sent back to Paris. Much of Masson’s work is influenced by this trauma; his drawings and paintings executed during the 1920s represent battle scenes, blood, death, birds and fish. The strange realities of trench warfare and the immediate contiguity of life and death are drawn upon, and his imagery suggests a confrontation of life at an abnormal level of experience. His signature style deals with violence, evident in terrifying, fragmented figures, which reflect the horrors of the Spanish Civil War and WWII, as well as his troubled psyche in the aftermath of his service in WWI.
After WWI, Masson moved to the South of France, where he met Juan Gris, André Derain, Joan Miró and André Breton. Breton championed the Surrealist Manifesto and Masson joined in the group exhibition of the first Surrealists. An iconoclast, whose abrupt stylistic transitions defy classification, Masson also explored automatism (automatic drawing), a process that sought to express the creative force of the unconscious. These automatic drawings had no preconceived subject or composition. Like a medium channeling a spirit, Masson let his pen travel rapidly across the paper without conscious control. He soon found hints of images, fragmented bodies and objects, emerging from the abstract, lacelike web of pen marks. At times, Masson elaborated on these with conscious changes or additions, but he left the traces of the rapidly drawn ink mostly intact. Masson’s oeuvre explores several techniques of painting, drawing and sculpture and displays rich, colorful abstraction as well as monochrome imagery and automatic linear representations. An early Surrealist and student of Cubism, Masson went on to inspire the New York Abstract Expressionists. Masson developed a technique of automatic painting that retained the element of chance; he dripped glue onto paper to form drawings and then covered it with sand. These ‘sand paintings’ are unquestionably his most iconic style.
When Masson emigrated to the U.S. in 1939, he strongly influenced several American painters with this technique, the most evident example being Jackson Pollack. After his time in America, he returned to Europe and while living in Spain during the mid-1930s, he became enraptured with Spanish themes—bullfights, matadors and Spanish mythology. Masson finally settled down in France (Aix-en-Provence), where he took up a late interest in impressionistic landscape, but he ultimately came to a place where he painted nearly exclusively abstract images. Masson dedicated his life as an artist to encouraging the non-rational purpose in art, to the direct transference of subconscious thought and to the primal forces of conflicts that he experienced in the trenches of World War One. Masson sought to convey in his work a deeper reality of man’s behavior, his own complex personal imagery, and his belief that painting is not a matter of developing style but a part of life itself.
Pegasus, Surrealist Etching by Andre Masson
By André Masson
Located in Long Island City, NY
This striking etching by Andre Masson from circa 1970 depicts the mythological Pegasus through the lens of Surrealist Figurative art and classical symbolism. Masson’s interpretation ...
Etching
Cathedral, Modern Lithograph by Andre Masson
By André Masson
Located in Long Island City, NY
Andre Masson, French (1896 - 1987) - Cathedral, Medium: Lithograph and Chine Colle, signed, numbered and dedicated in pencil, Edition: 7/25 HC, Image Size: 13 x 4 inches, Size: 1...
Lithograph
$716Sale Price|20% Off
Andre Masson, Untitled, from Albert Camus, oeuvres completes, 1962
By André Masson
Located in Southampton, NY
This exquisite lithograph by Andre Masson (1896–1987), titled Sans titre (Untitled), originates from the 1962 album Albert Camus, oeuvres completes, essais philosophiques, Le mythe d...
Lithograph
Venice in Sunset - Original Handsigned Pastel Drawing
By André Masson
Located in Paris, IDF
André Masson Venice in Sunset Original pastel drawing Handsigned in pastel with his monogram On paper, 39 x 33,5 cm (c. 15,3 x 13,1 inch) Excellent condition
Oil Pastel
original lithograph
By André Masson
Located in Henderson, NV
Medium: original lithograph. Printed in 1972 for the art revue XXe Siecle (issue No. 38). Size: 12 1/4 x 9 1/4 inches (310 x 237 mm). Not signed.
Lithograph
Human Thoughts (The Dreamer) - Lithograph by André Masson - 1970ca
By André Masson
Located in Roma, IT
Hand Signed and numbered in pencil. Edition of 100. Graphic work dedicated to Jean Cocteau. Very good condition.
Lithograph
Limbs, Surrealist Lithograph by Andre Masson
By André Masson
Located in Long Island City, NY
Andre Masson, French (1896 - 1987) - Limbs, Portfolio: Dessins Erotiques, Year: 1971, Medium: Lithograph on Arches, signed and numbered in pencil, Edition: 23/125, Image Size: 9...
Lithograph
"The Moon" original lithograph
By André Masson
Located in Henderson, NV
Medium: original lithograph. Printed in 1938 and published in Paris by Teriade for the art revue Verve (volume 1, number 2). Andre Masson was invited to contribute an original compos...
Lithograph
$716Sale Price|20% Off
Andre Masson, The Departure, from Memories and Portraits of Artists, 1972
By André Masson
Located in Southampton, NY
This exquisite lithograph by Andre Masson (1896–1987), titled Le depart (The Departure), originates from the 1972 edition published by Editions A. C. Mazo et Cie., Paris, in collabor...
Lithograph
Untitled II from Body and Heart, Surrealist Etching by Andre Masson
By André Masson
Located in Long Island City, NY
Andre Masson, French (1896 - 1987) - Untitled II from Body and Heart, Year: 1968, Medium: Etching on Arches, signed and numbered in pencil, Edition: 130, Image Size: 11.75 x 9.25...
Etching
Lea from the Femme Portfolio, Surrealist Lithograph by Andre Masson
By André Masson
Located in Long Island City, NY
This captivating 1971 lithograph by Andre Masson features the Surrealist master’s distinctive approach to Figurative art through fluid, automatic drawing techniques. Masson creates a...
Lithograph
$956Sale Price|20% Off
Composition (Cramer 97), Une Étoile de Craie, André Masson
By André Masson
Located in Southampton, NY
Lithograph on vélin d'Arches paper. Inscription: unsigned and unnumbered, as issued. Good condition. Notes: From the folio, Une Étoile de Craie, seize lithographies originales par An...
Lithograph
Bacchanale, Surrealist Lithograph by Andre Masson
By André Masson
Located in Long Island City, NY
Andre Masson, French (1896 - 1987) - Bacchanale from Je Reve Portfolio, Year: 1975, Medium: Lithograph on Arches, Signed and numbered in pencil, Edition: 93/125, Size: 26 in. x 2...
Lithograph
$716Sale Price|20% Off
Andre Masson, Caliban, from L'Atelier Mourlot, 1965
By André Masson
Located in Southampton, NY
This exquisite lithograph by Andre Masson (1896–1987), titled Caliban (Caliban), from the album Les Lithographies de L'Atelier Mourlot, Paris (The Lithographs of the Mourlot Workshop...
Lithograph
Etreinte, Surrealist Etching by André Masson
By André Masson
Located in Long Island City, NY
André Masson, French (1896 -1987) - Etreinte, Year: 1955, Medium: Etching, signed and numbered in pencil, Edition: Epreuve d'Artiste, Image Size: 7 x 10.75 inches, Size: 10 x 13...
Etching
Water Nymph - Original lithograph (Mourlot - Cramer #60)
By André Masson
Located in Paris, IDF
Andre MASSON Water Nymph, 1964 Original lithograph (Mourlot workshop) Printed monogram of the artist in the plate On vellum 32 x 24 cm (c. 13 x 10 in) RE...
Lithograph
Le Philosophe au Papillon, Surrealist Lithograph by Andre Masson
By André Masson
Located in Long Island City, NY
Andre Masson, French (1896 - 1987) - Le Philosophe au Papillon from Je Reve Portfolio, Year: 1975, Medium: Lithograph on Arches, Signed and numbered in pencil, Edition: 93/125, Si...
Lithograph
original lithograph
By André Masson
Located in Henderson, NV
Medium: original lithograph. Executed by Andre Masson for XXe Siecle (issue No. 32) in 1969. Size: 12 1/4 x 9 1/2 inches (310 x 240 mm). Not signed.
Lithograph
French Abstract Surrealist Color Lithograph Andre Masson
By André Masson
Located in Surfside, FL
Published Benincasa Carmine. Edizioni SEAT, Torino, Italy. Offset directly from the original plates. Limited edition. This is not hand signed or numbered. Signature in the printing p...
Lithograph, Offset
Nude Figures in Garden, Surrealist Etching by André Masson
By André Masson
Located in Long Island City, NY
André Masson, French (1896 -1987) - Nude Figures in Garden, Medium: Etching on wove paper, signed and numbered in pencil, Edition: Epreuve d'Artiste, Image Size: 13 x 10 inches, S...
Etching
Abstract Composition - Lithograph by André Masson - 1970s
By André Masson
Located in Roma, IT
Abstract Composition is an original colored lithograph realized in the half of XX century. The artwork is hand signed on the lower right margin. Numbered on the lower left. Edition...
Lithograph
Portrait d'Emily Bronte, Surrealist Lithograph by Andre Masson
By André Masson
Located in Long Island City, NY
Andre Masson, French (1896–1987) Date: 1946 Color Lithograph, signed and numbered in pencil Edition, 15/30 Image Size: 7.5 x 5 inches Size: 13 x 9.75 in. (33.02 x 24.77 cm) Printer: ...
Lithograph
Le 2 Mai 1945, Surrealist Lithograph by Andre Masson
By André Masson
Located in Long Island City, NY
Andre Masson, French (1896–1987) Date: 1945 Lithograph, signed and numbered in pencil Edition, Epreuve d'artiste Image Size: 11.25 x 14.5 inches Size: 14 x 16.25 in. (35.56 x 41.28 cm)
Lithograph
Venise en Fleurs, Surrealist Lithograph by Andre Masson
By André Masson
Located in Long Island City, NY
Andre Masson, French (1896 - 1987) - Venise en Fleurs from Je Reve Portfolio, Year: 1975, Medium: Lithograph on Arches, Signed and numbered in pencil, Edition: 93/125, Size: 26 i...
Lithograph
$360Sale Price|20% Off
1974 Andre Masson 'Le Septieme Chant' Cubism White, Red France Etching
By André Masson
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Paper Size: 14.75 x 11 inches ( 37.465 x 27.94 cm ) Image Size: 11.5 x 8.25 inches ( 29.21 x 20.955 cm ) Framed: No Condition: A: Mint Additional Details: Found inside BK2922 P...
Etching
Feuilles Épaisses II, Surrealist Etching by André Masson
By André Masson
Located in Long Island City, NY
André Masson, French (1896 -1987) - Feuilles Épaisses II, Medium: Etching on BFK Rives, numbered in pencil, Edition: 1/3, Image Size: 8.25 x 6.5 inches, Size: 9.5 x 7.75 in. (24....
Etching
Abstract Composition - Etching by Andre Masson - 1965
By André Masson
Located in Roma, IT
Abstract Composition is an original black and white etching on cardboard realized in 1965 by André Masson. Hand-signed and dated on the lower right margin. On the lower left margin...
Etching
$975Sale Price|35% Off
André Masson "Judith and Holofernes", 1974
By André Masson
Located in Washington, DC
Signed color lithograph by French artist André Masson (1896-1987). Title of work is Judith and Holofernes. Work is signed and numbered 74/150 in ...
Archival Paper
Venice : The Basin of San Marco with Gondola - Original Handsigned Drawing
By André Masson
Located in Paris, IDF
André Masson The Basin of San Marco, Venice Original pastel drawing Handsigned in pencil On vellum, 53 x 37,5 cm (c. 20,8 x 14,7 inch) PROVENANCE : Collection of Roger Passeron, fr...
Oil Pastel
"Satan" from "Je Reve" portfolio, Surrealist Lithograph, Signed
By André Masson
Located in Milwaukee, WI
"Satan" is an original color lithograph by Andre Masson. This piece is from the "Je Reve" (I Dream) portfolio of 1975. The edition number, written lower left, is H.C. XXV/XXV. The ar...
Lithograph, Paper
Dragon vert, Surrealist Etching by Andre Masson
By André Masson
Located in Long Island City, NY
Andre Masson, French (1896 - 1987) - Dragon vert, Medium: Etching and aquatint, signed and numbered in pecnil, Edition: 14/50, Image Size: 10.5 x 8 inches, Size: 16.25 x 13 in. (41....
Etching, Aquatint
Branch, Surrealist Lithograph by Andre Masson
By André Masson
Located in Long Island City, NY
Andre Masson, French (1896 - 1987) - Branch, Portfolio: Dessins Erotiques, Year: 1971, Medium: Lithograph on Arches, signed and numbered in pencil, Edition: 23/125, Image Size: ...
Lithograph
Feminaire II, Surrealist Etching by André Masson
By André Masson
Located in Long Island City, NY
André Masson, French (1896 -1987) - Feminaire II, Year: 1951, Medium: Etching on wove paper, signed and numbered in pencil, Edition: 30, Image Size: 9.75 x 8 inches, Size: 14.25...
Etching
Figures in Landscape
By André Masson
Located in Roma, IT
Image dimensions: 53x43 cm. Limited edition of 30 prints numbered in roman numbers and signed by the Artist. Excellent conditions.
Lithograph
$1,036Sale Price|20% Off
Composition, Variations sur l'imaginaire, André Masson
By André Masson
Located in Southampton, NY
Lithograph on vélin de Rives paper. Inscription: hand signed and unnumbered, as issued. Good condition. Notes: From the folio, Variations sur l'imaginaire, 1972. Published by Philipp...
Lithograph
$716Sale Price|20% Off
Andre Masson, Untitled, from Albert Camus, oeuvres completes, 1962
By André Masson
Located in Southampton, NY
This exquisite lithograph by Andre Masson (1896–1987), titled Sans titre (Untitled), originates from the 1962 album Albert Camus, oeuvres completes, essais philosophiques, Le mythe d...
Lithograph
Le Prince Iris, Surrealist Lithograph by Andre Masson
By André Masson
Located in Long Island City, NY
Andre Masson, French (1896 - 1987) - Le Prince Iris from Je Reve Portfolio, Year: 1975, Medium: Lithograph on Arches, Signed and numbered in pencil, Edition: 93/125, Size: 20 in....
Lithograph
Couple by André Masson
By André Masson
Located in New York, NY
Artist: André Masson Medium: Original Lithograph, Signed & Numbered, 52/125 Dimensions: 26 x 19.3 in, 66 x 49 cm
Lithograph
$650
French Abstract Surrealist Lithograph Andre Masson Mourlot Paris Limited Edition
By André Masson
Located in Surfside, FL
This is from the suite by Jean Paul Sartre and Andre Masson, Limited edition of 175. published by Fernand Mourlot, 1961. The portfolio is numbered #29/175 and hand signed by Andre Ma...
Lithograph
French Abstract Surrealist Color Lithograph Andre Masson
By André Masson
Located in Surfside, FL
Published Benincasa Carmine. Edizioni SEAT, Torino, Italy. Offset directly from the original plates. Limited edition. This is not hand signed or numbered. Signature in the printing p...
Lithograph, Offset
Consumed, Surrealist Lithograph by Andre Masson
By André Masson
Located in Long Island City, NY
Andre Masson, French (1896 - 1987) - Consumed, Portfolio: Dessins Erotiques, Year: 1971, Medium: Lithograph on Arches, signed and numbered in pencil, Edition: 23/125, Image Size:...
Lithograph
Feuilles Épaisses, Surrealist Etching and Aquatint by André Masson
By André Masson
Located in Long Island City, NY
André Masson, French (1896 -1987) - Feuilles Épaisses, Year: 1958, Medium: Etching and Aquatint, Image Size: 8 x 6.75 inches, Size: 9.25 x 7.75 in. (23.5 x 19.69 cm), Description...
Etching, Aquatint
$7,300
"La Naissance D'Eve" from "Je Reve, " Color Lithograph signed by Andre Masson
By André Masson
Located in Milwaukee, WI
"La Naissance D'Eve" is an original color lithograph by Andre Masson. This piece, depicting Adam and Eve, is from Masson's "Je Reve (I Dream)" portfolio, and is signed in pencil lowe...
Lithograph
$320Sale Price|20% Off
XXe Siècle No. 38 Lithograph by André Masson, Contemporary, 1972
By André Masson
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This is a first-printing lithograph book plate by André Masson, featured in XXe Siècle No. 38. Known for his dynamic and surrealist-inspired compositions, Masson’s work in this editi...
Lithograph
Andre Masson, Untitled, from XXe Siecle, 1972
By André Masson
Located in Southampton, NY
This exquisite lithograph by Andre Masson (1896–1987), titled Sans titre (Untitled), from the album XXe Siecle, Nouvelle serie, XXXIVe Annee, No. 38, Juin 1972, originates from the 1...
Lithograph
Pour les Erophages, Surrealist Hand-Colored Etching by André Masson
By André Masson
Located in Long Island City, NY
André Masson, French (1896 -1987) - Pour les Erophages, Medium: Etching, Hand-colored in color pencil, initialed and numbered in pencil, Edition: Epreuve D'artiste, Image Size: 14...
Etching
$7,200
"Le Philosophe au Papillon from Je Reve (I Dream) Portfolio, " signed by Masson
By André Masson
Located in Milwaukee, WI
"Le Philosophe au Papillon" is an original color lithograph from the Je Reve portfolio by surrealist artist Andre Masson. The artist signed the piece i...
Lithograph
L'Espagne assassinée from Solidarité, Surrealist Etching by Andre Masson
By André Masson
Located in Long Island City, NY
Andre Masson, French (1896 - 1987) - L'Espagne assassinee from Solidarite, Year: 1938, Medium: Etching on wove paper, signed and numbered in pencil, Edition: 1/15, Image Size: 9.25 ...
Etching
$1,356Sale Price|20% Off
Andre Masson, Untitled, from The Seventh Song, 1974
By André Masson
Located in Southampton, NY
This exquisite engraving by Andre Masson (1896–1987), titled Sans titre (Untitled), from the folio Le septieme chant, la mort d'Isidore Ducasse, Jeudi 24 Bovembre 1870, 7 Rue du Faub...
Engraving
French Abstract Surrealist Color Lithograph Andre Masson
By André Masson
Located in Surfside, FL
Published Benincasa Carmine. Edizioni SEAT, Torino, Italy. Offset directly from the original plates. Limited edition. This is not hand signed or numbered. Signature in the printing p...
Lithograph, Offset
$650
French Abstract Surrealist Lithograph Andre Masson Mourlot Paris Limited Edition
By André Masson
Located in Surfside, FL
This is from the suite by Jean Paul Sartre and Andre Masson, Limited edition of 175. published by Fernand Mourlot, 1961. The portfolio is numbered #29/175 and hand signed by Andre Ma...
Lithograph
Dalia, Surrealist Lithograph by Andre Masson
By André Masson
Located in Long Island City, NY
Andre Masson, French (1896 - 1987) - Dalia from Je Reve Portfolio, Year: 1975, Medium: Lithograph on Arches, Signed and numbered in pencil, Edition: 93/125, Size: 20 in. x 26 in....
Lithograph
Faces, Surrealist Lithograph by André Masson
By André Masson
Located in Long Island City, NY
André Masson, French (1896 -1987) - Faces, Year: 1962, Medium: Lithograph on Rives, signed in pencil, Image Size: 11 x 8.5 inches, Size: 15 x 11 in. (38.1 x 27.94 cm), Descriptio...
Lithograph
French Abstract Surrealist Color Lithograph Andre Masson
By André Masson
Located in Surfside, FL
Published Benincasa Carmine. Edizioni SEAT, Torino, Italy. Offset directly from the original plates. Limited edition. This is not hand signed or numbered. Signature in the printing p...
Lithograph, Offset
$956Sale Price|20% Off
Composition (Cramer 97), Une Étoile de Craie, André Masson
By André Masson
Located in Southampton, NY
Lithograph on vélin d'Arches paper. Inscription: unsigned and unnumbered, as issued. Good condition. Notes: From the folio, Une Étoile de Craie, seize lithographies originales par An...
Lithograph
$956Sale Price|20% Off
Composition (Cramer 97), Une Étoile de Craie, André Masson
By André Masson
Located in Southampton, NY
Lithograph on vélin d'Arches paper. Inscription: unsigned and unnumbered, as issued. Good condition. Notes: From the folio, Une Étoile de Craie, seize lithographies originales par An...
Lithograph
Untitled from Body and Heart, Surrealist Etching by Andre Masson
By André Masson
Located in Long Island City, NY
Andre Masson, French (1896 - 1987) - Untitled from Body and Heart, Year: 1968, Medium: Etching on Arches, signed and numbered in pencil, Edition: 105/130, Image Size: 11.75 x 9.2...
Etching
$1,356Sale Price|20% Off
Andre Masson, Untitled, from The Seventh Song, 1974
By André Masson
Located in Southampton, NY
This exquisite engraving by Andre Masson (1896–1987), titled Sans titre (Untitled), from the folio Le septieme chant, la mort d'Isidore Ducasse, Jeudi 24 Bovembre 1870, 7 Rue du Faub...
Engraving
Atalante by Andre Masson
By André Masson
Located in New York, NY
Artist: Andre Masson Medium: Lithographic Poster before lettering, 1967 Dimensions: 29.5 x 22.75 in, 74.93 x 57.79 cm Classic Poster Paper - Excellent ...
Lithograph
$7,300
"La Naissance D'Eve, " Surreal Lithograph from "Je Reve" signed by Andre Masson
By André Masson
Located in Milwaukee, WI
"La Naissance D'Eve" is an original color lithograph from the "Je Reve (I Dream)" portfolio by Andre Masson. The artist signed the piece lower right in pencil and wrote the edition n...
Lithograph