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Les Hain-teny

André Masson; Jacques Frélaut; Les Bibliophiles de l'Union française

Artwork Details

Les Hain-teny
1956
André Masson; Jacques Frélaut; Les Bibliophiles de l'Union française
etching and aquatint on paper
17 5/16 in x 13 1/8 in (43.97 cm x 33.34 cm)
Gift of Herbert Barrows
2002/2.83.1

Description

Subject Matter:

This print was commissioned from Masson by Jean Paulhan, who was compiling a translation of work of eight poems called Les Hain-Teny from Madagascar.  The original authors of the African poems are unknown.  Masson created ten full page prints and eight smaller illustrations for the book.  Masson used the commission as a project to experiment with aquatint and etching techniques.  He was particularly interested in the variety and range of pigments he could achieve using a single plate.  The results are demonstrated well in this print which involves a living interweaving of several bright colors.

Physical Description:

This abstract print has a big Rohrshach-test-like blob in the center of pinkish color with a clear halo around it and black scribbly lines around that.  

Usage Rights:

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