Description:Extremely intricate and full of detail, this work evokes a sense of energy and movement. As one of the foremost Surrealist artist’s, Masson encouraged his viewer to interpret his work not merely on a literal level but rather on both a conscious and subconscious level.
Part of a portfolio comprising five lithographs, this image is printed on Arches paper and is signed in pencil by the artist in the lower right and numbered 84/125 in the lower left. The work was printed by Mourlot, Paris.
Confronting the viewer with a figure lying in the foreground, the head of this individual appears displaced from the rest of body. Combining realistic elements in unrealistic situations, Masson uses the Surrealist notion of taking reality and turning it upside down. Executed with a sense of frenzied energy, this work is designed with a multitude of activity and variety of colored elements in yellows, reds and greens with a range of black lines. Surrounded in the front by pleasant flowers and nature, the more threatening is revealed behind the figure with volcanic activity and smoke billowing up into the sky. Giving the viewer a sense of simultaneous calmness and chaos, this work expresses the artist’s intention of confronting the universal lot of man.
About the Framing:
Set in an archival and museum quality frame with ornate gold leaf and chromium green colors. The sculptural details of grapes and leaves compliments the naturalistic quality in this work, while the green and gold of the frame enhances the bright colors in this work. Completed with a white linen wrapped matt and matching gold inner fillet, this work is covered with archival Plexiglas.
