Hand-colored etching, BFK Rivers dyed velin paper, 42 x 36 cm plate imprint, 66 x 48 cm sheet, limited edition, numbered in pencil XI/XXV l.d., signed by the Artist in pencil l.d. , Dry seal of a cat's head l.d. Publisher: Editions Michèle Trinckvel.
The watermark (or dry seal) in the shape of a cat's head is one of the most recognizable authorization symbols used in Leonor Fini's prints to mark original editions over which the artist had personal supervision.
The Roman numeral (XXV) suggests that this is a luxury edition, intended for the artist, publisher or close associates.
This is a fascinating print by Leonor Fini (1907-1996) - one of the most independent and charismatic artists of the 20th century, associated with the Surrealist movement, although she herself always shied away from formal affiliation with any group.
Leonor Fini was a total artist: painter, theatrical costume designer, illustrator and writer. She was born in Argentina, raised in Italy, and spent most of her life in Paris.
Queen of self-creation: She was famous for her extravagant lifestyle, and for wearing masks and elaborate costumes at Parisian balls. Her work focuses on female power, eroticism, metamorphosis and matriarchy. In her world, women are the active, divine or menacing beings, while men (if they appear) are often sleepy or passive. She was even an obsessive lover of cats (at one point she lived with more than twenty angora), which she painted passionately.
The depiction of the three female figures alludes to the classical motif of the Three Graces. However, in Fini's case they are not a symbol of gentleness, but of mystery. Fini, who designed for opera and ballet, often depicted characters in states of "in-between" - between acting and reality. The central figure dominates, making an almost sacred or dancing gesture. The figures in the background seem to emerge from the same matter, creating a multidimensional study of movement and form.
In 1973, the artist released several important graphic teques, such as Les Fantastiques, or Les Trois Grâces," in which she used a very similar aesthetic of figures with elongated, "marionette-like" limbs and fanciful hairstyles. During this period, Leonor Fini worked extensively in printmaking, and her style became more linear, with her characteristic dense hatching,
Today, Fini's graphic works are recognized worldwide and highly valued by collectors for their technical precision and unique, dark elegance.
The frames shown in the visualizations are for illustrative purposes and do not constitute a commercial offer.
