Soleil et lune I (Sun and Moon I), 1959: Georges Braque

Georges Braque (1882–1963)

Soleil et lune I (Sun and Moon I), 1959

Original colour lithograph

Published by Maeght Éditeur, Paris

Printed by Mourlot, Paris (1959)

Catalogue raisonné: Dora Vallier, Georges Braque: Catalogue de l'œuvre gravé, no. 1034.

One of the founders of Cubism alongside Pablo Picasso, Georges Braque was also one of the twentieth century's greatest printmakers. Throughout his career he regarded lithography and engraving as creative disciplines in their own right, working closely with master printers to achieve the same refinement, balance and sensitivity found in his paintings.

Soleil et lune I was created in 1959 for Contremots, a deluxe publication by Georges Charbonnier issued by Maeght Éditeur in Paris. Printed by the celebrated Atelier Mourlot from the original lithographic stones in 1959, it was created under Braque's supervision rather than as a later reproduction. The reverse retains its original printed publication text, an authentic feature preserved from its original publication.

Together with its companion, Soleil et lune II (also available), the lithograph explores the poetic relationship between the sun and moon through a refined arrangement of simplified forms. Rather than describing nature literally, Braque distilled it to its essence, creating compositions of remarkable harmony, restraint and quiet lyricism that define his mature style.

Dora Vallier writes in Georges Braque: Catalogue de l'œuvre gravé:

"He himself participated in the production of these prints, supervised and directed the work of the engraver or the lithographer, reworked some parts with his own hand, corrected the prints, and finally gave his final consent by signing each copy."

This unusually close collaboration demonstrates the importance Braque attached to printmaking and confirms that Braque regarded his graphic works as independent works of art rather than reproductions of his paintings.

Recorded as no. 1034 in Dora Vallier's catalogue raisonné, Soleil et lune I represents an outstanding example of the collaboration between Braque, Maeght Éditeur and Mourlot during one of the defining periods of twentieth-century French printmaking.

Curatorial note: These works are reproduced horizontally in the Vallier catalogue raisonné. For this exhibition they have been presented vertically, reflecting the orientation indicated by the artist's monogram and the original publication text on the reverse.

Soleil et lune I and Soleil et lune II are available as a pair, priced at $3,700 - please enquire.

Framed with Conservation Mat, Acid-free Foamboard and UV70 Art Glass

Size 32cm x 46cm (Framed)