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.
"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
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
Don Giovanni, Surreal Lithograph by Andre Masson
By André Masson
Located in Long Island City, NY
Artist: Andre Masson, French (1896 - 1987) Title: Don Giovanni Year: 1978 Medium: Lithograph on Arches, Signed and numbered in pencil Edition: 163/250 Size: 30 in. x 22 in. (76.2 cm ...
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
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
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
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
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
$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
"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
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
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
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
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
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
$1,000Sale Price|20% Off
André Masson, "Figures in Landscape, " hand signed lithograph in colors
By André Masson
Located in Chatsworth, CA
André Masson Figures in Landscape Lithograph in colors on Arches paper Hand signed in pencil, numbered 51/150
Lithograph
Surrealistic flower - Original Colour Pencil Drawing
By André Masson
Located in Paris, IDF
André Masson (1896-1987) Surrealistic flower Original colour pencil drawing Signed with the artist's stamp on the back (see photo) On 30.5 x 29 cm tracing paper (11.8 x 11.4 inche...
Pencil, Carbon Pencil
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
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
Apparition, Surrealist Lithograph by André Masson
By André Masson
Located in Long Island City, NY
André Masson, French (1896 -1987) - Apparition pour les poèmes de Emily Brontë, Year: circa 1945, Medium: Lithograph on thin wove paper, signed and numbered in pencil, Edition: AP...
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
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
$850
Exhibition at Galerie Lucie Weill, Surrealist Lithograph Poster by Andre Masson
By André Masson
Located in Long Island City, NY
Andre Masson, French (1896 - 1987) - Exhibition at Galerie Lucie Weill, Year: 1968, Medium: Lithograph Poster, Size: 30 x 20.5 in. (76.2 x 52.07 cm), Printer: Mourlot, Paris, Des...
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
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
Désespoir, Surrealist Lithograph by André Masson
By André Masson
Located in Long Island City, NY
André Masson, French (1896 -1987) - Désespoir pour les Poèmes d'Emily Brontë, Year: circa 1945, Medium: Lithograph on thin wove paper, signed and numbered in pencil, Edition: 12/3...
Lithograph
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
Mythologies - Rare Book illustrated by André Masson - 1946
By André Masson
Located in Roma, IT
Mythologies is an original Rare Book engraved by André Masson (Balagny, Oise, 1896 - Paris, 1987) in 1946. Original Edition. Published by Editions de la Revue Fontaine, Paris. Fo...
Photogravure
$1,695
French Surrealist Color Etching "La Sibylle et les Astres" Signed & Numbered
By André Masson
Located in Portland, OR
A very attractive French surrealist color etching by Andre Masson (1896-1987), signed & numbered. The etching is titled in French "La Sibylle et les Astres", translated as "The Sybil...
Color Pencil, Aquatint
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
$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
No title
By André Masson
Located in Paris, FR
Lithograph, 1940 Handsigned by the artist in pencil and numbered 31/200 Certificate of authenticity LCD4451
Lithograph
Satan /// Surrealism Modern Andre Masson French Lithograph Mythological Art
By André Masson
Located in Saint Augustine, FL
Artist: André Masson (French, 1896-1987) Title: "Satan" Portfolio: Je Rêve (I Dream) *Signed by Masson in pencil lower center Year: 1975 Medium: Original Lithograph on Arches paper L...
Lithograph
The metamorphosis of the woman
By André Masson
Located in Paris, FR
Lithograph, 1970 75.00 cm. x 54.00 cm. 29.53 in. x 21.26 in. (paper) 67.00 cm. x 49.00 cm. 26.38 in. x 19.29 in. (image) Annoted "EA" Handsigned by the artist in pencil Ref : LCD3077
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
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
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
"Bacchanale from Je Reve (I Dream) Portfolio, " Original Color Lithograph
By André Masson
Located in Milwaukee, WI
"Bacchanale" is an original color lithograph by Andre Masson. This piece is from the Je Reve (I Dream) portfolio and is edition number H.C. XVV/XVV. Masson signed the piece in pencil...
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
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
$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
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
$1,036Sale Price|20% Off
La Tour Eiffel au ciel gris, Regards sur Paris, 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, Regards sur Paris, 1963. Published by André Sauret, Paris;...
Lithograph
$716Sale Price|20% Off
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
"Le Torrent" original lithograph
By André Masson
Located in Henderson, NV
Medium: original lithograph. Printed in 1952 for the art revue Verve (Volume 7, Number 27-28) and published in Paris by Teriade. Sheet size: 14 x 21 inches (353 x 535 mm). There is a...
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
The Youth of Isis
By André Masson
Located in Paris, FR
Etching, 1970 Edition : 23/50 Publisher : Ed. Galerie Louise Leiris Catalog : Passeron p. 175 49.00 cm. x 32.00 cm. 19.29 in. x 12.6 in. (image) 74.50 cm. x 55.50 cm. 29.33 in. x 2...
Etching
$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
$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
$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
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
"The Sun" 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
$200Sale Price|20% Off
Le Septieme Chant II Etching, Abstract Style, Deluxe Edition, 1974
By André Masson
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This rare, deluxe edition of XXe Siècle, published by the Société Internationale d'Art XXe Siècle in 1974, is one of only 75 copies to feature an exclusive additional suite on Japon ...
Etching
$956Sale Price|20% Off
Andre Masson, The Lovers, from XXe siecle, 1977
By André Masson
Located in Southampton, NY
This exquisite lithograph by Andre Masson (1896–1987), titled Les Amants (The Lovers), from the album XXe Siecle, numero special hors abonnement, Hommage a Dorothea Tanning, originat...
Lithograph
Orifice, Surrealist Lithograph by Andre Masson
By André Masson
Located in Long Island City, NY
Andre Masson, French (1896 - 1987) - Orifice, Portfolio: Dessins Erotiques, Year: 1971, Medium: Lithograph on Arches, signed and numbered in pencil, Edition: 23/125, Image Size: ...
Lithograph
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
$716Sale Price|20% Off
Andre Masson, The Moon, from Verve, Revue Artistique et Litteraire, 1938
By André Masson
Located in Southampton, NY
This exquisite lithograph by Andre Masson (1896–1987), titled La Lune (The Moon), from Verve, Revue Artistique et Litteraire, Vol. I, No. 2, originates from the 1938 issue published ...
Lithograph
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
Hills and Valleys, Surrealist Lithograph by Andre Masson
By André Masson
Located in Long Island City, NY
Andre Masson, French (1896 - 1987) - Hills and Valleys, Portfolio: Dessins Erotiques, Year: 1971, Medium: Lithograph on Arches, signed and numbered in pencil, Edition: 23/125, Im...
Lithograph
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