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Leonor Fini

French, 1908-1996

Leonor Fini was the life of the party during the French Surrealist movement. A socialite with connections to some of the movement's biggest names, Fini was also an astoundingly gifted artist in her own right. In fact, many consider her to be the most fiercely independent female artist of the 20th century. A theatrical personality, Fini created prints, paintings and drawings that are widely revered for their sensuous qualities and raw energy.

Fini's life started off in a dramatic fashion, which was perhaps a portent of things to come. She was born in Buenos Aires, Argentina in 1907, but her parents separated soon after and her mother took her away to Trieste, Italy. Due to her father's attempts to kidnap her, Fini was often dressed as a boy throughout her childhood. 

Fini was surrounded by artistic women in Trieste, and she naturally developed a love for art as well. By the time she was 17, she had become familiar with Renaissance art and Mannerist painting and was exhibiting her own portraits. In 1931, at just 24 years of age, Fini moved to Paris and became acquainted with influential artists Giorgio de Chirico and Carlos Carrà. She also met and started a romantic relationship with Surrealist pioneer Max Ernst, who introduced her to others in the movement.

Though she had no formal art education, Fini proved herself to be both technically masterful and creatively exceptional. Her work and her flamboyant personality attracted the attention of many of the 20th century's most celebrated artists and thinkers, including Salvador Dalí, Jean Cocteau, Albert Camus and Jean Genet, just to name a very few. She exhibited her work in many Parisian art galleries, including the gallery of Christian Dior before the fashion icon became a designer.

In the 1950s, Fini continued painting while immersing herself in other artistic and dramatic endeavors, including theater costume and mask design. She also designed posters for the Paris Opera and wardrobes for movies.

Fini continued living and painting in Paris for the rest of her life. She died in 1996.

On 1stDibs, find original Leonor Fini prints, paintings and drawings.

Average Sold Price
$1,517
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Materials
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Cat on a Rug
By Leonor Fini
Located in Columbia, MO
LEONOR FINI Cat on a Rug 1973 Color lithograph Ed. 157/230 12.5 x 9 inches
Category

1970s Surrealist Leonor Fini

Materials

Lithograph

Cat on a Rug
$900
H 12.5 in W 9 in
"Duality" by Leonor Fini
By Leonor Fini
Located in Hinsdale, IL
Leonor Fini Duality Edited for Volume I of “The Three Wise Men” Zinc engraving on Arches, c. 1960 Edition 27 of 100 Published by Pierre and Genevieve Argillet in1960 Sheet siz...
Category

1960s Surrealist Leonor Fini

Materials

Etching

"Duality" by Leonor Fini
"Duality" by Leonor Fini
$2,950
H 22.75 in W 18.5 in D 1 in
Leonor Fini, Untitled, from Parallelement, 1969
By Leonor Fini
Located in Southampton, NY
This exquisite lithograph, titled Sans titre (Untitled), by Leonor Fini, from the folio Parallelement (Parallel), Illustre de lithographies originales de Leonor Fini (Illustrated with Original Lithographs by Leonor Fini), 1969, was published and printed by Pierre de Tartas, Paris-Bievres, Paris, 1969. Executed as a lithograph on grand velin d'Arches paper, this work exemplifies the technical refinement and sophisticated aesthetic that defined the finest Parisian printmaking of the mid-twentieth century. Measuring 15.94 x 11.61 inches, the work is unsigned and unnumbered as issued. Printed on grand velin d'Arches paper, the composition reveals Finis distinctive blend of psychological intensity, theatrical sensuality, and symbolic mysticism. Artwork Details: Artist: Leonor Fini (1907–1996) Title: Sans titre (Untitled), from the folio Parallelement (Parallel), Illustre de lithographies originales de Leonor Fini (Illustrated with Original Lithographs by Leonor Fini) Medium: Lithograph on grand velin d'Arches paper Dimensions: 15.94 x 11.61 inches (40.5 x 29.5 cm) Inscription: Unsigned and unnumbered as issued Date: 1969 Publisher: Pierre de Tartas, Paris-Bievres, Paris Printer: Pierre de Tartas, Paris-Bievres, Paris Catalogue Raisonne Reference: Monod, Luc. Manuel de L'amateur de Livres Illustres Modernes: 1875-1975. Ides and Calendes, 1992, No. 11122. Condition: Well preserved, consistent with age and medium Provenance: From the folio Parallelement, published and printed by Pierre de Tartas, Paris-Bievres, Paris, 1969 Notes: Excerpted from the folio (translated from French), Justification of draw: a unique example on Japon nacre, including two original watercolors specially executed for the work, two vouchers to shoot, a suite of all the plates on grand velin d'Arches, a continuation of all the plates on Japon nacre, signed by the Artist, as well as a series of the plates refused on grand velin d'Arches; a unique example. XX examples on Japon nacre with an original watercolor of the Artist executed for the work, a suite of all the plates on grand velin d'Arches, a continuation of all the plates on Japon nacre, signed by the Artist, as well as a series of the plates refused on grand velin d'Arches; lettered from A to T; XXX examples on Japon nacre including a suite of all the boards on grand velin d'Arches, as well as a suite of the plates refused on grand velin d'Arches; numbered from I to L. LX examples on grand velin d'Arches, including a suite of the six double-boards on grand velin d'Arches, as well as a series of the plates refused on grand velin d'Arches; numbered from XXXI to XC. CCC grand velin d'Arches, with the definitive state of the illustrations; numbered from XCI to CCXC; In addition, some examples were drawn, all nominative, reserved for the Artist, the Publisher and those who contributed to the production of this album. All examples are signed by the Artist on the colophon, the publisher, and endorsed by Ministere d'Huissier de Justice. On Japon nacre, it was taken from the sequels of the plates numbered and signed by the Artist. About the Publication: Parallelement (Parallel), published and printed in 1969 by Pierre de Tartas, Paris-Bievres, is one of the most refined and luxurious livres d'artiste of the late twentieth century, uniting Paul Verlaines celebrated poetry with the visionary imagery of Leonor Fini. Produced with uncompromising standards of printing, paper, and typographic craftsmanship, the folio exemplifies the golden era of French limited-edition printmaking. Issued in multiple paper states—from Japon nacre to grand velin d'Arches—the album reflects the meticulous care, material richness, and artistic ambition characteristic of Pierre de Tartas' finest publications, affirming its status as a masterwork in the tradition of French illustrated albums. About the Artist: Leonor Fini (1907–1996) was an Argentine-born Italian-French painter, illustrator, author, and stage designer whose electrifying fusion of myth, mysticism, eroticism, and psychological depth established her as one of the most unmistakable and influential artistic voices of the twentieth century. Celebrated for depicting women as sovereign, enigmatic, and psychologically commanding beings, Fini rejected the patriarchal hierarchy of Surrealism even as she exhibited alongside its foremost figures, forging instead a fiercely independent path defined by theatricality, female autonomy, and visionary imagination. Her richly symbolic universe filled with sphinxes, priestesses, witches, and androgynous guardians was shaped by a broad constellation of influences including Pablo Picasso, Alexander Calder, Alberto Giacometti, Salvador Dali, Joan Miro, Wassily Kandinsky, Marcel Duchamp, and Man Ray, while also drawing deeply from Symbolist painting, Renaissance portraiture, and Venetian colorism. Moving among artists such as Max Ernst, Giorgio de Chirico, Leonora Carrington, Dorothea Tanning, Meret Oppenheim, and Pavel Tchelitchew, she nevertheless maintained a singular vision whose impact reverberates through the work of later creators including Kiki Smith, Cindy Sherman, Marlene Dumas, Tracey Emin, Pierre et Gilles, Laurie Simmons, and numerous feminist and queer artists who embraced her exploration of gender, identity, and psychological mythology. A prolific illustrator and designer, Fini also shaped European performance culture through celebrated costumes and stage designs, while her paintings entered major museum collections worldwide, including the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Tate Modern, Centre Pompidou, the Museum of Modern Art in Buenos Aires, and the Moderna Museet. Known for her imaginative freedom, elaborate personal style, and legendary Parisian salon, she remains a defining figure in feminist and avant-garde art history. The highest auction record for Leonor Fini was achieved when her self-portrait Autoportrait au Scorpion sold for 2,319,000 USD at Sotheby's New York on May 12, 2021, underscoring the dramatic rise in appreciation for her visionary legacy. Keywords: Leonor Fini print, Parallelement Fini, Leonor Fini lithograph...
Category

1960s Modern Leonor Fini

Materials

Lithograph

Leonor Fini, Untitled, from Parallelement, 1969
Leonor Fini, Untitled, from Parallelement, 1969
$1,196 Sale Price
20% Off
H 15.94 in W 11.61 in
Romeo and Juliet - Lithograph
By Leonor Fini
Located in Paris, IDF
Leonor FINI (1908-1996) Romeo and Juliet, 1980 Lithograph Printed signature in the plate On Vellum 43 x 36 cm (c. 16.92 x 14.1 in) Excellent condition
Category

1980s Modern Leonor Fini

Materials

Lithograph

Cat Duo
By Leonor Fini
Located in Columbia, MO
LEONOR FINI Cat Duo 1973 Color lithograph Ed. 157/230 12.5 x 9 inches
Category

1970s Surrealist Leonor Fini

Materials

Lithograph

Cat Duo
$900
H 12.5 in W 9 in
Leonor Fini, Untitled, from The Story of O, 1962
By Leonor Fini
Located in Southampton, NY
This exquisite lithograph, titled Sans titre, after Leonor Fini, from the folio L'Histoire d'O (The Story of O), 1962, was published and printed by La Compagnie des Vibliophiles, au ...
Category

1960s Modern Leonor Fini

Materials

Lithograph

Leonor Fini, Untitled, from The Story of O, 1962
Leonor Fini, Untitled, from The Story of O, 1962
$1,996 Sale Price
20% Off
H 15.16 in W 11.22 in
Satyricon - Original Lithograph by Leonor Fini - 1970
By Leonor Fini
Located in Roma, IT
Satiricon is original colored lithography, realized in 1970 by Leonor Fini, an Argentine-Italian painter who spent her artistic career in France and was associated with the Surrealist movement. In very good condition. From series "Satiricon de Petron". The artwork represents a portrait of figures with their feeling expressed perfectly through confident strokes by bright and harmonic colors. The artwork here is resembling of the Roman wall painting...
Category

1970s Leonor Fini

Materials

Lithograph

Leonor Fini, rare original lithograph on paper, circa 1970
By Leonor Fini
Located in Saint Ouen, FR
Rare print numered by surrealist artist Leonor Fini, now rediscovered and inscreasingly esteemed with the movement of rediscovering art by women. It depicts a beautiful feminine figu...
Category

Mid-20th Century Surrealist Leonor Fini

Materials

Paper

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Leonor Fini Sale Prices

Sold DateSold PriceCategoryMediumCreation Year
2025$1,196Landscape Prints, Figurative PrintsLithograph1969
2025$1,840Figurative PrintsLithograph1972
2025$177Nude PrintsLithograph1980
2025$6,480Animal PrintsLithograph1973
2025$250Animal Prints, More PrintsLithograph1975
2025$750Figurative Prints, Landscape PrintsLithograph1969
2025$492Animal PrintsLithographc. 1973
2025$838Figurative Prints, Nude PrintsLithograph1986
$1,517
Average sold price of items in the past 12 months
$177-$6,480
Sold price range of items in the past 12 months

Artists Similar to Leonor Fini

Leonor Fini art for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a wide variety of authentic Leonor Fini art available for sale on 1stDibs. If you’re browsing the collection of art to introduce a pop of color in a neutral corner of your living room or bedroom, you can find work that includes elements of orange, yellow and other colors. You can also browse by medium to find art by Leonor Fini in lithograph, etching, paper and more. Much of the original work by this artist or collective was created during the 20th century and is mostly associated with the Surrealist style. Not every interior allows for large Leonor Fini art, so small editions measuring 5 inches across are available. Customers who are interested in this artist might also find the work of André Masson, Max Ernst, and Roberto Matta. Leonor Fini art prices can differ depending upon medium, time period and other attributes. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $66 and tops out at $400,000, while the average work can sell for $900.
Questions About Leonor Fini
  • 1stDibs ExpertOctober 15, 2024
    The Italian female Surrealist is Leonor Fini. Although she was born in Buenos Aires, Argentina, in 1907, her parents separated soon after, and her mother took her to Trieste, Italy, where she grew up, so many consider her to be Italian. Although she had no formal art education, Fini created prints, paintings and drawings that were widely revered for their sensuous qualities and raw energy. Some of her most famous works include Little Hermit Sphinx, La Toilette Inutile, Woman Seated on a Naked Man and La Semaine de Bonté. On 1stDibs, explore a variety of Leonor Fini at.
  • 1stDibs ExpertAugust 29, 2024
    Yes, Leonor Fini was a Surrealist. Though she had no formal art education, Fini proved to be both technically masterful and creatively exceptional. Her work and her flamboyant personality attracted the attention of many of the 20th century's most celebrated artists and thinkers, including Salvador Dalí, Jean Cocteau, Albert Camus and Jean Genet. She exhibited her work in many Parisian art galleries, including the gallery of Christian Dior, before the fashion icon became a designer. On 1stDibs, explore a variety of Leonor Fini art.

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