Matisse's Cinquante Dessins of 1920
In 1920, Henri Matisse took the bold step of self-publishing his limited edition retrospective to showcase his mastery of the simple sketch. Published under the title, "Cinquante Dessins" featured not just the rare hand-signed original etching of Plate I, but 49 other minimalist prints using the sophisticated héliogravure process.
Unlike other forms of fine art reproduction like lithography and etching, héliographie was a relatively new technique, invented 100 years prior to this print's creation but only perfected in recent decades. Matisse experimented with this version of a photogravure because of it's ability to produce a deep velvety ink saturation replicating the texture and detail as his original charcoal and ink strokes.
Matisse personally supervised the production of the limited edition, strictly limiting the run to 1,000 copies and ensuring the quality of these plates that remain as testament to his bold step forward in publishing while allowing the world to view his creative process
Artwork Details
- Artist: Henri Matisse
- Title: Planche XI
- Category: Limited Edition
- Medium: Héliogravure
- Edition: 684/1000
- Portfolio: Cinquante Dessins
- Signature: Plate Signed
- Paper Size: 8⅛" x 11⅞"
- Paper Type: Hollande van Gelder
- Printer: Victor Jacquemin, Paris
- Publisher: Henri Matisse, 1920 (par les soins de l'artiste)
- Reference: Duthuit 2
Includes COA from Gold & Silver Pawn Shop
Framing included, as pictured