Frank Stella
FRANK STELLA "RIVER OF PONDS" MONOTYPE, 1970
Over the past few years Caviar20 has specialized in Frank Stella prints, with an emphasis on his works from the 1960's and 70's.
One of the most interesting commercial decisions Stella made regarding his printmaking was to release the variations, experiments and anomalies created while making editions...when there is an expectation of consistency.
We are especially excited to be offering this unique hand-colored lithograph, which we consider as a monotype, related to the Newfoundland Series of 1971.
The aforementioned series consists of 6 prints, inspired by the Protractor Series paintings completed between 1967 and 1971.
Each of the prints were named after locations on the west coast of Newfoundland. There are four different color variations of "River of Ponds". For the most part the colors are saturated and somewhat discordant. All of the prints were created at the legendary Gemini G.E.L. studio in Los Angeles. The edition sizes vary from 70 to 78.
Which brings us to this work. First, the color palette is completely different from any of the examples in the Newfoundland series. The overall color scheme, which we would consider as dusty pastel, seems more in spirit to works like York Factory 1 (1971) and is simply more cohesive and pleasant.
The other major distinction is Stella's signature and date. This work is signed and dated 1970...while all the other works from the Newfoundland Series are from 1971.
Finally another fascinating element of this monotype is the application of color. There is a central backward "L" shape that was created with a bone-white ink (as opposed to leaving the section empty and using the color of the paper). Most significantly is the large element in blue-gray or dark airforce blue, which explains the "inked-over" element. Close inspection reveals that the application of this color is neither dense or solid. It is actually concealing...fluorescent orange, which borders the several of the other colored sections.
This work is an interesting print/work-on-paper hybrid. In April of 2017, "Porte aux Basques", a double-sized work from the Newfoundland Series, achieved over $27,000 at auction. As fine drawings from this era by Stella are regularly fetching more than $50,000 - this is an especially impactful work that is simultaneously great value.
Additional images available on request.
Questions about this piece? Contact us or call +1.416.704.1720
Signed, titled and dated 1970 by the artist
Lithograph, with screenprint on Special Arjomari paper.
31.5"H 31.5"W (image)
41"H 40.5"W (framed)
Very good condition.
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