Still Life with Asparagus and Lemon
Hamaguchi Yōzō
Description
Subject Matter:
Hamaguchi Yozo copper printmaker who specialized in mezzotint as we see here. He is primarily responsible for the resurgence of copper print-making in the 20th century. His work is renowned for the black velvety background contrasted against objects and animals depicted in fine detail. Furthermore, due to the European influence on his work, his art has often been compared to European surrealists such as Dali and Chirico. Similar to those European surrealists have undertones of sexuality. In a piece called "Ears of Corn and Lemon" (1959), the ears of corn are considered a phallic object and could be related to the asparagus spears in this piece.
Physical Description:
This mezzotint still life depicts a lemon on the left upper area and a bundle of asparagus spears tied with string in the bottom right area. The background is black. There is an inscription underneath the work in the lower left and right margins.
Usage Rights:
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