Sol LeWitt
SOL LEWITT "PLATE #03" AQUATINT, 1990
Sol LeWitt (1928-2007) is one of the most influential contributors to the century's most cerebral "isms", notably minimalism and conceptual art.
His famous large-scale "wall drawings" challenged the conventional definition of authorship; many of his works were created from detailed instructions rather than his own hand and labor.
Regardless of medium LeWitt is noted for his precise geometric compositions - such as this excellent color-blocked example.
In 1974, LeWitt debuted one of his most influential series titled "Variations of Incomplete Open Cubes". As the name suggests he was exploring themes of seriality and variation. The series is a collection of 122 different structures derived from an open cube design, presented alongside the corresponding diagrams of each sculpture. Through a focus on analyzing and disembodying the universally known cube shape, LeWitt created a body of work that existed solely to as a response and exploration of an idea. By doing so, he freed his art from the subjective judgements of composition and expression.
This aquatint is from his 1990 series "Forms Derived from a Cubic Rectangle". It was a set of prints that complemented the wall drawings LeWitt was creating. We find in this work a key approach to his practice, where LeWitt explored the possibilities of variations from a specific geometric form.
LeWitt worked with a number of mediums, however aquatint became Lewitt's preferred printmaking method because of its ability to achieve rich tonalities while enhancing the form's dimensionality on the paper.
(Aquatint was the preferred method of printmaking in the late 1700's. It uses acid on a metal plate and is ideal for creating both depth and tonal variations, as it burns into the surface. Goya, Mary Cassatt and Audubon are a few of the artists who used this method for printmaking.
This particular work is a paradigm of LeWitt's work.
To learn more about Sol LeWitt,
Wikipedia has a generous and comprehensive on LeWitt's life and work.
Additional images available on request.
Questions about this piece? Contact us or call +1.416.704.1720
"Forms Derived from a Cubic Rectangle, Plate #03"
USA, 1990
Signed and numbered by the artist in pencil
Gallery label on verso
Aquatint on Magnani Italia paper
From an edition of 20
20"H 26"W (work)
23"H 29"W (framed)
Very good condition
Publisher: Multiples Inc., New York
- Where does the inventory ship from?
Our inventory is divided between New York and Toronto.
- Where do you ship to?
We can ship anywhere. Typically when we ship within North America we prefer to use FedEx or DHL. To Europe, Asia and beyond we generally use DHL.
- How much does it cost to ship?
For shipments within North America, we typically charge a flat rate fee. Many items on our site will list the rate. For shipping outside of North America, we can easily provide a quote and will look for the most efficient and economical option.
Most of the items on our site can be easily shipped internationally.
Occasionally we will recommend that an artwork be removed from its frame for shipping. Larger framed works are typically framed with plexiglass. We export over 80% of what we sell, so we are comfortable shipping anywhere.
- Are there additional taxes or fees?
When a work is valued above $2,500 usd there is a possibility of tax of 0.35%, but this is applied sporadically. There can similarly be an additional fee for customs brokerage and this can range from $20 - $65. US Taxes, duties and customs brokerage are not included in our flat rate shipping. However most of our shipments to the US enter without any additional fees.
- Do you provide a certificate of authenticity?
Yes, we guarantee everything we sell. We can provide both a digital and printed version of our certificate of authenticity.
What is your return policy?
- Caviar20 wants you to be 100% satisfied with your purchase. We have a 7 day no-questions full refund return policy for your purchase. Shipping charges are non-refundable. Return shipping is the responsibility of the customer. After 8 days returns are given a credit note. There is no expiration for our credit notes.
- What payment methods do you accept?
Canadian clients are welcomed and encouraged to pay with interac.