1950s Abstract Prints

This exquisite lithograph by Marc Chagall (1887–1985), titled Les Amoureux en gris (The Lovers in Gray), from Contes de Boccace, peintures du manuscrit des ducs de Bourgogne, Bibliotheque de l'Arsenal (Ms. no. 5193) (Tales of Boccaccio, Paintings from the Manuscript of the Dukes of Burgundy, Library of the Arsenal), Lavis de Marc Chagall, from Verve, Revue Artistique et Litteraire, Vol. VI, No. 24, originates from the 1950 issue published by Editions de la revue Verve, Paris, under the direction of Teriade, Editeur, Paris, and printed by Draeger Freres, Maitres-Imprimeurs, Paris, 1950. This tender and poetic composition captures Chagall’s timeless fascination with love, memory, and the dreamlike interplay of human emotion. Les Amoureux en gris embodies the artist’s lyrical synthesis of intimacy and imagination, rendered with the delicate tonal subtlety and symbolic depth that characterize his finest graphic works. Executed as a lithograph on velin du Marais paper, this work measures 14 x 10.5 inches. Unsigned and unnumbered as issued. The edition exemplifies the exquisite craftsmanship of the Draeger Freres atelier, celebrated for its precision and tonal richness in printing fine artworks. Artwork Details: Artist: Marc Chagall (1887–1985) Title: Les Amoureux en gris (The Lovers in Gray), from Contes de Boccace (Tales of Boccaccio), Verve, Revue Artistique et Litteraire, Vol. VI, No. 24, 1950 Medium: Lithograph on velin du Marais paper Dimensions: 14 x 10.5 inches Inscription: Unsigned and unnumbered as issued Date: 1950 Publisher: Editions de la revue Verve, Paris, under the direction of Teriade, Editeur, Paris Printer: Draeger Freres, Maitres-Imprimeurs, Paris Condition: Well preserved, consistent with age and medium Provenance: From Verve, Revue Artistique et Litteraire, Vol. VI, No. 24, published by Editions de la revue Verve, Paris, 1950 Notes: Excerpted from the album (translated from French), This Verve issue contains the lavis that Marc Chagall composed to illustrate Tales of Boccaccio's Decameron and the paintings on the same theme of the Manuscript of the Dukes of Burgundy preserved in the Arsenal Library. Marc Chagall executed the cover of this work which was completed printing on April 20, 1950 on the presses of Maitres-Imprimeurs, the Draeger Freres. About the Publication: This 1950 issue of Verve, Revue Artistique et Litteraire, titled Contes de Boccace (Tales of Boccaccio), was devoted to the great Italian humanist Giovanni Boccaccio and illuminated manuscripts from the 15th century, interpreted and revived through the eyes of modern artists. Under the artistic direction of Teriade, Marc Chagall contributed a series of lyrical paintings and lavis that reimagined these Renaissance themes with his signature dreamlike color, tenderness, and spiritual symbolism. The issue juxtaposed Chagall’s contemporary vision with the rich heritage of medieval illumination, bridging centuries of artistic imagination. Printed by the master craftsmen of Draeger Freres, the publication stands as a testament to Verve’s tradition of uniting art, literature, and history in one luxurious volume that celebrates the continuity of human creativity from the Middle Ages to modernity. About the Artist: Marc Chagall (1887–1985) was a Belarus-born French painter, printmaker, and designer whose visionary imagination, radiant color, and deeply poetic symbolism made him one of the most beloved and influential artists of the 20th century. Rooted in the imagery of his Jewish heritage and the memories of his childhood in Vitebsk, Chagall’s art wove together themes of faith, love, folklore, and fantasy with a dreamlike modern sensibility. His unique style—merging elements of Cubism, Fauvism, Expressionism, and Surrealism—defied categorization, transforming ordinary scenes into lyrical meditations on memory and emotion. Influenced by Russian icon painting, medieval religious art, and the modern innovations of artists such as Pablo Picasso, Henri Matisse, and Georges Braque, Chagall developed a profoundly personal visual language filled with floating figures, vibrant animals, musicians, and lovers that symbolized the transcendent power of imagination and love. During his early years in Paris, he became an integral part of the Ecole de Paris circle, forming friendships with Amedeo Modigliani, Fernand Leger, and Sonia Delaunay, and his creative spirit resonated with that of his peers and successors—Alexander Calder, Alberto Giacometti, Salvador Dali, Joan Miro, Wassily Kandinsky, Marcel Duchamp, and Man Ray—artists who, like Chagall, sought to push the boundaries of perception, emotion, and form. Over a prolific career that spanned painting, printmaking, stained glass, ceramics, and stage design, Chagall brought an unparalleled poetic sensibility to modern art, infusing even the most abstract subjects with human warmth and spiritual depth. His works are held in the most prestigious museums around the world, including the Museum of Modern Art, the Centre Pompidou, the Tate, and the Guggenheim, where they continue to inspire generations of artists and collectors. The highest price ever paid for a Marc Chagall artwork is approximately $28.5 million USD, achieved in 2017 at Sotheby’s New York for Les Amoureux (1928). Marc Chagall Les Amoureux...

This exquisite lithograph by Marc Chagall (1887–1985), titled Les Oiseaux (The Birds), from Contes de Boccace, peintures du manuscrit des ducs de Bourgogne, Bibliotheque de l'Arsenal...

This exquisite lithograph by Marc Chagall (1887–1985), titled L’Acrobate (The Acrobat), from Contes de Boccace, peintures du manuscrit des ducs de Bourgogne, Bibliotheque de l'Arsena...

This exquisite lithograph by Marc Chagall (1887–1985), titled Les Chevaux et les Nus (The Horses and the Nudes), from Contes de Boccace, peintures du manuscrit des ducs de Bourgogne,...

This exquisite lithograph by Marc Chagall (1887–1985), titled La Femme au Comptoir (The Woman at the Counter), from Contes de Boccace, peintures du manuscrit des ducs de Bourgogne, B...

Orignial Skarby Sultana vintage poster. A.k.a.The Story of Little Much. Archival linen-backed Very good condition A. Bright and vibrant, lithograph, no stains, no damage, no...

Woodcut on vélin d’Arches paper. Inscription: Unsigned and unnumbered, as issued. Good condition. Notes: From the folio, Jean Arp, Dreams and Projects, 1951-1952. Published by Curt V...

Original vintage poster “Les artistes décorateurs et le tourisme” at the Grand Palais in Paris. Artist: Jean Colin Full lithograph printed in 1953 by Mourlot, Paris. No paper...

Roy Lichtenstein (after) Gallery 26 Exhibition Poster, 1950 Off-set Lithograph Poster (Mounted to Cardboard) unsigned 10 1/2 × 31 inches Unframed This poster/flyer is an advertisemen...

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...

Lithograph realized by Dubuffet in 1959 on Vélin d'Arches. Hand signed titled and dated in pencil. Artist Proof, belongs to the series "Eaux, Pierres, Sable". Ref. Webel 1959.

Vie diffuse - From Sols, Terres is an original black and white lithograph realized by Jean Dubuffet (1901 Le Havre - Paris 1985). The artwork is the plate n. 2 from the portfolio So...

Color lithograph on vellum. Edition of 19/90. Hand signed and numbered in pencil. Slightly browned on margins. In this powerful lithograph, Manessier explores his signature inter...

Serge POLIAKOFF Abstract Composition, 1958 Original lithograph (Printed in Pons Workshop) On wove paper 31 x 24 cm (c. 12 x 10 in) Edition San Lazarro, 1958 REFERENCES : Catalog ra...

Woodcut printed in black on tan wove paper, 1953. Signed by the artist and dated in pencil, lower right.

Color lithograph on vellum. Edition of 55/90. Hand signed and numbered in pencil. Very good condition. A vibrant abstract composition by Manessier, characterized by his signature...

JOHN S. de MARTELLY (1903 - 1979) HIEROGLYPHIC, 1954 Lithograph, signed, no. 20 and dated '54 in pencil by the artist. 12 x 16 inches, large sheet 17...

Lithograph, 1957 Handsigned by the artist in pencil and numbered 2/100 Publisher : Hedwig Marbach, Berne Printer : Jean Pons, Paris Catalog : RMM 98 65.50 cm. x 50.00 cm. 25.79 in. ...

La tenture de pierre is an original B/W lithograph realized by the French founder of Art Brut, Jean Dubuffet Very good condition. Image Dimensions: 57.5 x 41 cm. The artwork repr...

Still Life is an original lithograph on ivory paper realized in 1950s by Emanuel Poirier. Signed on the lower left. Edition " E.A." (artist proof). T...

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...

Zao WOU-KI Composition, 1958 Original lithograph (Printed in Desjobert Workshop). On wove paper 31 x 24 cm (c. 12 x 10 in) Edition San Lazarro, 1958 REFERENCES : Catalog raisonne ...

Woodcut on vélin d’Arches paper. Inscription: Unsigned and unnumbered, as issued. Good condition. Notes: From the folio, Jean Arp, Dreams and Projects, 1951-1952. Published by Curt V...

Abstract Composition is an etching print realized in 1980 by Jean Bertholle (1909-1996). Hand-signed on the lower and date. Numbered. Edition, 16/200. Good Conditions. The artwor...

This exquisite lithograph and pochoir after Fernand Leger (1881–1955), titled Les Constructeurs (The Builders), from the folio Contrastes, 13 Aquarelles, Gouache, Lavis, Crayon (Cont...

Andre Masson, French (1896 - 1987) - Mines de Rien, Year: 1957, Medium: Etching and Aquatint on Rives, signed and numbered in pencil, Edition: 46/50, Image Size: 5.25 x 4.5 inche...

Nue - 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 64/150 AUGUSTE HERBIN (188...

Lithograph, 1957 Handsigned by the artist in pencil and annotated HC Publisher : Galerie de France (Paris) Printer : Mourlot (Paris) 48.00 cm. x 38.00 cm. 18.9 in. x 14.96 in. (pape...

This exquisite lithograph after Andre Derain (1880–1954), titled Sans titre (Untitled), originates from the 1957 folio Derriere le miroir, No. 94–95. Published by Maeght Editeur, Par...

Andre Masson, French (1896 - 1987) - Apparition, Year: 1954, Medium: Lithograph, signed and numbered in pencil, Edition: 17/30, Image Size: 14.75 x 10.5 inches, Size: 19.75 x 15...

This exquisite lithograph and pochoir after Fernand Leger (1881–1955), titled Nature morte au buste (Still Life with Bust), from the folio Contrastes, 13 Aquarelles, Gouache, Lavis, ...

Tempus Fidgets Etching, 1952 Signed in pencil lower right (see photo) Titled in pencil lower left (see photo) During his military service, Gilkey was part of the "Monuments Men" art recovery team The title is a play on Tempus fugit is a Latin phrase, usually translated into English as "time flies". The expression comes from line 284 of book 3 of Vergil's Georgics, where is appears as FVGIT INREPARABILE TEMPVS: "it escapes, irretrievable time". Condition: Excellent Image/Plate size: 11 3/4 x 14 5/8 inches Sheet size: 15 3/4 x 20 9/16 Reference: Portland Art Museum, 82.80.642 Gordon Waverly Gilkey was a printmaker, teacher, collector, and curator. He graduated from Albany College, which is now Lewis & Clark College, in 1933 and obtained a Master of Fine Arts degree from the University of Oregon in 1936. He served in World War II in a special division dedicated to locating and returning art confiscated by the Nazis and to confiscating Nazi propaganda. Gilkey spent the majority of his career teaching printmaking at Oregon State University. He amassed a large collection of prints, primarily by trading work with his colleagues. When he retired in 1978, Gilkey became curator of prints and drawings at the Portland Art Museum and professor and printmaker in residence at the Museum Art School, which is now known as the Pacific Northwest College of Art. Over the course of many years, he donated more than 10,000 prints and drawings from his personal collection to the Museum. Gilkey was crucial in building awareness for and appreciation of works on paper, and was instrumental in creating proper storage and viewing spaces for the graphic arts. In 1993, the Vivian and Gordon Gilkey...

The Fan Silkscreen printed in colors, 1950's Signed and numbered in pencil by the artist (see photos) Edition: 40 (24/40) Condition: very good Image size: 25 1/8 x 19 5/8 inches Cou...

Romas Viesulas, Lithuanian (1918 - 1986) - Plant in My Window, Year: 1955, Medium: Lithograph on Basingwerk Parchment, signed, titled and dated in pencil, Image Size: 17 x 13 inch...

Camille BRYEN Abstract Landscape, 1956 Original Etching Signed in pencil On paper Van Gelder Zonen 22 x 16.5 cm (c. 8.5 x 6.5 in) INFORMATION : Printed in the ateliers Priester Frè...

This exquisite lithograph, after Wassily Kandinsky (1866–1944), titled Sans titre (Untitled), from the album XXe Siecle, Nouvelle serie, No. 8 (double), Janvier 1957, originates from...

Woodcut on vélin d’Arches paper. Inscription: Unsigned and unnumbered, as issued. Good condition, with centerfold, as issued. Notes: From the folio, Jean Arp, Dreams and Projects, 1951-1952. Published by Curt Valentin, New York; printed by Fequet et Baudier, Paris. Excerpted from the folio, Text and 28 original woodcuts by Jean Arp printed...

Woodcut on vélin d’Arches paper. Inscription: Unsigned and unnumbered, as issued. Good condition. Notes: From the folio, Jean Arp, Dreams and Projects, 1951-1952. Published by Curt V...

Mid-century modern abstract serigraph with a bird by Howard Bradford (Canadian/American, 1919-2008), 1959. This limited edition figurative abstract pri...

This exquisite lithograph after Pablo Picasso (1881–1973), titled Nature morte (Still Life), from the album Douze Contemporains (Twelve Contemporaries), originates from the 1959 edit...

Artist: Henri Matisse (after) Title: Bateau Portfolio: The Last Works of Henri Matisse Medium: Lithograph Date: 1958 Edition: 2000 Sheet Size: 14" x 10 1/2 Signature: No Reference: D...

Lithograph, 1957 Handsigned by the artist in pencil and annoted "HC" Publisher : Galerie de France (Paris) Printer : Mourlot (Paris) 48.00 cm. x 38.00 cm. 18.9 in. x 14.96 in. (pap...

Woodcut on vélin d’Arches paper. Inscription: Unsigned and unnumbered, as issued. Good condition, with centerfold, as issued. Notes: From the folio, Jean Arp, Dreams and Projects, 19...

Orgues du sol - From Eaux, Pierres, Sable is an original black and white lithograph realized by Jean Dubuffet (1901 Le Havre - Paris 1985). The artwork is the plate n. 4 from the po...

Camille BRYEN Abstract House, 1956 Original Etching Signed in pencil On paper Van Gelder Zonen 22 x 16.5 cm (c. 8.5 x 6.5 in) INFORMATION : Printed in the...

Joan MIRO (after) In the Garden under the Stars, 1958 Lithograph and stencil after a charcoal drawing Printed signature in the plate On wove paper 31 x 24 cm (c. 12 x 10 in) Edited ...

Joan Miró Extremely rare 2-sided lithographic announcement to Galerie Maeght vernissage, 1953 2 sided Lithographic invitation (header image shows both front and back on one panel) Un...

Lithograph on Auvergne du Moulin Richard de Bas filigrané paper. Inscription: Watermarked with the artist's signature and unnumbered, as issued. Good condition. Notes: From the folio...

Joan Miro - Night Sky - Original Lithograph Artist: Joan Miro Editor: Maeght Year: 1956 Dimensions: 23 x 20 cm Reference: Mourlot 235 Unsigned and unumbered as issued.

This exquisite lithograph and pochoir after Fernand Leger (1881–1955), titled Etude pour le Fumeur (Study for The Smoker), from the folio Contrastes, 13 Aquarelles, Gouache, Lavis, C...

This exquisite lithograph after Georges Braque (1882–1963), titled Deux oiseaux noirs (Two Black Birds), from the folio Derriere le miroir, No. 107–108–109, originates from the 1958 ...

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...

Cécile Reims (French, 1927–2020) Cécile Reims’s work is distinguished by its masterful technique, intricate detail, and deep engagement with themes of transformation and the natural ...

Cécile Reims (French, 1927–2020) Cécile Reims’s work is distinguished by its masterful technique, intricate detail, and deep engagement with themes of transformation and the natural ...

This exquisite lithograph after Andre Derain (1880–1954), titled Sans titre (Untitled), originates from the 1957 folio Derriere le miroir, No. 94–95. Published by Maeght Editeur, Par...

Hayter, Stanley William. WITCHES SABBATH. Engraving, etching, soft-ground etching and scorper, 1957-8, Signed, titled, dated and inscribed '2/5' in pen...

Serge Poliakoff (after) - Composition - Pochoir Published in the deluxe art review, XXe Siecle 1956 Dimensions: 32 x 24 cm Publisher: G. di San Lazzaro. Unsigned and unumbered as is...

This exquisite lithograph after Andre Derain (1880–1954), titled Sans titre (Untitled), originates from the 1957 folio Derriere le miroir, No. 94–95. Published by Maeght Editeur, Par...

This exquisite lithograph, after Joan Miro (1893–1983), titled Sans titre (Untitled), from the album XXe Siecle, vol. No. 4, 1954, originates from the 1954 edition published by Socie...

Woodcut on vélin d’Arches paper. Inscription: Unsigned and unnumbered, as issued. Good condition. Notes: From the folio, Jean Arp, Dreams and Projects, 1951-1952. Published by Curt V...