Orphée (Signed), Surrealist Etching by André Masson
By André Masson
Located in Long Island City, NY
André Masson, French (1896 -1987) - Orphée (Signed), Year: 1972, Medium: Etching, signed and numbered in pencil, Edition: 1/50, Image Size: 11.75 x 9.25 inches, Size: 16.5 x 12....
Etching
Signed Letter by André Masson - 1950 - Surrealism
By André Masson
Located in Roma, IT
L.A.S. (Lettre Autographe Signée) Autograph Letter Signed by A. Masson to N. Jacometti. Paris, 28th March 1950. In back some autograph greetings by Marie and Dominique, Massons’s chi...
Paper
Signed Letter by André Masson - 1940s - Surrealism
By André Masson
Located in Roma, IT
L.A.S. (Lettre Autographe Signée) Autograph Letter Signed by A. Masson to N. Jacometti. Paris, 22nd November 1949. One page. 27 x 20.9 cm. In 8°. In French. Perfect condition, with u...
Paper
Couple by André Masson
By André Masson
Located in New York, NY
Artist: André Masson Medium: Original Lithograph, Signed & Numbered, 52/125 Dimensions: 26 x 19.3 in, 66 x 49 cm
Lithograph
André Masson 'Judith and Holofernes' Signed & numbered lithograph 1974
By André Masson
Located in Pembroke Pines, FL
Artist: André Masson - France, 1896 – 1987 Title: "Judith and Holofernes" Year: 1974 Meduim: colour lithograph on paper Size: 21.5 x 30 inches Edition: 143/150 Signed & numbered in p...
Lithograph
$1,000Sale Price|20% Off
André Masson, "Figures in Landscape, " hand signed lithograph in colors
By André Masson
Located in Chatsworth, CA
André Masson Figures in Landscape Lithograph in colors on Arches paper Hand signed in pencil, numbered 51/150
Lithograph
$950
Viviane French Original Surrealist Lithograph signed and numbered Andre Masson
By André Masson
Located in Surfside, FL
His early works display an interest in cubism. He later became associated with surrealism, and he was one of the most enthusiastic employers of automatic drawing, making a number of ...
Lithograph
Abstract Composition - Etching by Andre Masson - 1965
By André Masson
Located in Roma, IT
Abstract Composition is an original black and white etching on cardboard realized in 1965 by André Masson. Hand-signed and dated on the lower right margin.
Etching
$7,300
"Venise en Fleurs" from "Je Reve, " Surrealist Lithograph signed by Andre Masson
By André Masson
Located in Milwaukee, WI
The edition number, written lower left, is H.C. XXV/XXV. The artist signed the piece lower right. It features an abstracted woman emerging from the right side of the picture among ab...
Lithograph
$3,850Sale Price|30% Off
André Masson "La jambe déguisée" 1975 Signed Etching w/ Aquatint, Edition of 50
By André Masson
Located in Miami, FL
ANDRÉ MASSON – "LA JAMBE DÉGUISÉE" ⚜ Etching with Aquatint ⚜ Hand Signed Lower Right ⚜ Numbered 23/50 ⚜ Conservation Frame SURREAL FIGURATION AND AUTOMATIC LINE Created in 1975, La ...
Etching, Aquatint
Les Insectes - Cubist Oil Painting by Andre Masson
By André Masson
Located in Marlow, Buckinghamshire
Signed, titled and dated cubist oil on canvas by French painter Andre Masson.
Canvas, Oil
$7,300
"La Naissance D'Eve" from "Je Reve, " Color Lithograph signed by Andre Masson
By André Masson
Located in Milwaukee, WI
"La Naissance D'Eve" is an original color lithograph by Andre Masson. This piece, depicting Adam and Eve, is from Masson's "Je Reve (I Dream)" portfolio, and is signed in pencil lowe...
Lithograph
$3,310
"Les Erophages" Etching & Aquatint with Gold Ink on Paper signed by Andre Masson
Located in Milwaukee, WI
"Les Erophages" is an etching and aquatint with gold ink on Japanese paper signed by Andre Masson. Coming from the corner on the lower left was a boarder of pink with lines and circl...
Paper, Ink, Etching, Aquatint
$7,300
"La Naissance D'Eve, " Surreal Lithograph from "Je Reve" signed by Andre Masson
By André Masson
Located in Milwaukee, WI
"La Naissance D'Eve" is an original color lithograph from the "Je Reve (I Dream)" portfolio by Andre Masson. The artist signed the piece lower right in pencil and wrote the edition n...
Lithograph
Composition Surrealist - Original Collotype after André Masson - 20th century
By André Masson
Located in Roma, IT
Surrealist Composition is an original collotype print realized after André Masson in the mid-20th Century. The artwork is in good conditions, and not signed.
Black and White
$650
French Abstract Surrealist Lithograph Andre Masson Mourlot Paris Limited Edition
By André Masson
Located in Surfside, FL
The portfolio is numbered #29/175 and hand signed by Andre Masson, the individual sheets are not hand signed or numbered.
Lithograph
$650
French Abstract Surrealist Lithograph Andre Masson Mourlot Paris Limited Edition
By André Masson
Located in Surfside, FL
The portfolio is numbered #29/175 and hand signed by Andre Masson, the individual sheets are not hand signed or numbered.
Lithograph
$650
French Abstract Surrealist Lithograph Andre Masson Mourlot Paris Limited Edition
By André Masson
Located in Surfside, FL
The portfolio is numbered #29/175 and hand signed by Andre Masson, the individual sheets are not hand signed or numbered.
Lithograph
$650
French Abstract Surrealist Lithograph Andre Masson Mourlot Paris Limited Edition
By André Masson
Located in Surfside, FL
The portfolio is numbered #29/175 and hand signed by Andre Masson, the individual sheets are not hand signed or numbered.
Lithograph
$650
French Abstract Surrealist Lithograph Andre Masson Mourlot Paris Limited Edition
By André Masson
Located in Surfside, FL
The portfolio is numbered #29/175 and hand signed by Andre Masson, the individual sheets are not hand signed or numbered.
Lithograph
$650
French Abstract Surrealist Lithograph Andre Masson Mourlot Paris Limited Edition
By André Masson
Located in Surfside, FL
The portfolio is numbered #29/175 and hand signed by Andre Masson, the individual sheets are not hand signed or numbered.
Lithograph
$650
French Abstract Surrealist Lithograph Andre Masson Mourlot Paris Limited Edition
By André Masson
Located in Surfside, FL
The portfolio is numbered #29/175 and hand signed by Andre Masson, the individual sheets are not hand signed or numbered.
Lithograph
$7,567
C'est les bottes de 7 lieues cette phrase "je me vois" - 1920s - André Masson
By André Masson
Located in Roma, IT
Signed by André Masson (illustrator) and Robert Desnos (Author) on colophon.
Etching
$7,200
"Le Philosophe au Papillon from Je Reve (I Dream) Portfolio, " signed by Masson
By André Masson
Located in Milwaukee, WI
"Le Philosophe au Papillon" is an original color lithograph from the Je Reve portfolio by surrealist artist Andre Masson. The artist signed the piece in the lower right in pencil and...
Lithograph
Dancing under the Stars - Original lithograph, Signed
By André Masson
Located in Paris, IDF
Andre MASSON Dancing under the Stars, 1973 Original lithograph Signed with the stamp of the artist Numbered / 100 On vellum 58 x 38 cm (c. 23 x 15 in) Very good condition, small de...
Lithograph
$7,567Sale Price|50% Off
Deux Femmes Nues Ceramic Plate, Surrealist, Signed, 20th Century
By André Masson
Located in CANNES, FR
Andre Masson realized very few works on ceramic .
Ceramic
"Satan" from "Je Reve" portfolio, Surrealist Lithograph, Signed
By André Masson
Located in Milwaukee, WI
"Satan" is an original color lithograph by Andre Masson. This piece is from the "Je Reve" (I Dream) portfolio of 1975.
Lithograph, Paper
"Le Philosophe Au Papillon, " an Original Color Lithograph, Signed
By André Masson
Located in Milwaukee, WI
"Le Philosophe Au Papillon", from Je Reve (I Dream) Portfolio, is an original color lithograph signed in pencil lower right by French Surrealist artist Andre Masson.
Lithograph
$1,695
French Surrealist Color Etching "La Sibylle et les Astres" Signed & Numbered
By André Masson
Located in Portland, OR
The artwork depicts a beautiful female in profile, facing a colorful constellation of stars, signed "Andre Masson" lower right & numbered lower left "9/100".
Color Pencil, Aquatint
Surrealist Rodeo Etching, 20th Century, Signed, Edition of 50
By André Masson
Located in Roma, IT
Hand Signed. Edition of 50 prints. Image Dimensions : 20 x 25 cm
Etching
Femme Etching, Surrealist Style, Signed, Edition 31/50, 1960s
By André Masson
Located in Roma, IT
Hand Signed. Edition of 50 copies (31/50). Image Dimensions : 20.5 x 26.5 cm
Etching
Andromède Etching, Surrealist Style, Signed, Edition of 50, 1960s
By André Masson
Located in Roma, IT
Hand Signed. Edition of 50 prints. Original Prints. Publisher : Paris, Galerie Louis Leiris Image Dimensions : 21 x 26 cm This artwork is shipped from Italy. Under existing legisl...
Etching
Amazones Etching Print, Limited Edition 50, Mid-20th Century, Signed
By André Masson
Located in Roma, IT
Limited edition of 50 prints, numbered and hand signed. Excellent conditions.
Etching
Totem Etching Print, Signed Edition of 30, Abstract, Circa 1940
By André Masson
Located in Roma, IT
Image dimensions: 28x18 cm. Edition of only 30 prints, numbered and hand signed. Excellent conditions. This artwork is shipped from Italy. Under existing legislation, any artwork in...
Etching
Les Erophages X, Etching on Paper, Hand Signed, Edition of 10, 1968, Framed
By André Masson
Located in Aventura, FL
Hand signed and numbered by the artist. Image size: 13 x 10 in. Frame size approx 27 x 24 in. Artwork is in excellent condition. Certificate of authenticity included. Edition of 1...
Etching, Paper
"Le Prince Iris, " Surrealist Lithograph From "Je Reve" Portfolio
By André Masson
Located in Milwaukee, WI
"Le Prince Iris" is an original color lithograph by Andre Masson. The artist signed the piece lower right in pencil and wrote the edition number, H.C.
Lithograph
Sold
H 16 in W 19 in D 0.13 in
Series of Nine Surrealist Erotic Lithographs by Andre Masson, Signed / Numbered
By André Masson
Located in Lambertville, NJ
A complete series of nine pencil-signed and numbered erotic lithographs by important French artist Andre Masson, mid-20th century.
Other
Sold
H 19.69 in W 25.99 in
André Masson - Hand-Signed Lithography on Arches Paper, 1970
By André Masson
Located in Varese, IT
André Masson (1896 - 1987) - Hand-Signed Lithography on Arches Paper, 1970 Additional Information: Material: Color lithograph on Arches paper Edited in 1970 Limited edition, numbere...
Lithograph
Sold
H 25.5 in W 19.5 in D 0.1 in
Original French Surrealist MCM Modernist Signed Abstract Lithograph Andre Masson
By André Masson
Located in Portland, OR
Andre Masson Les Amoureux (The Lovers) Created in 1959, this original color lithograph is hand signed in ink by Andre Masson (1896-1987) in the lower right margin.
Paper
Sold
H 19.82 in W 25.82 in
Viviane French Original Surrealist Lithograph signed and numbered Andre Masson
By André Masson
Located in Surfside, FL
His early works display an interest in cubism. He later became associated with surrealism, and he was one of the most enthusiastic employers of automatic drawing, making a number of ...
Lithograph
Sold
H 19.82 in W 25.82 in
Viviane French Original Surrealist Lithograph signed and numbered Andre Masson
By André Masson
Located in Surfside, FL
His early works display an interest in cubism. He later became associated with surrealism, and he was one of the most enthusiastic employers of automatic drawing, making a number of ...
Lithograph
Sold
H 6.25 in W 8 in D 1 in
Surrealist artist Andre Masson's 'Self portrait', 1944-45
By André Masson
Located in Petworth, West Sussex
Andre Masson (French, 1896 – 1987) Le Peintre et la chrysalide (Self portrait), 1944-1945 Ink on paper Signed Andre Masson (lower edge), further inscribed ‘Auto portrait aux herbes’ ...
Paper, Ink
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H 33.47 in W 23.63 in D 0.04 in
Tribute to Michelangelo - Etching by André Masson - 1975
By André Masson
Located in Roma, IT
Tribute to Michelangelo is an original print realized by André Masson in 1975. Hand-signed and numbered color etching.
Etching
Dedicated lithograph by Andre Masson to his daughter Lily
By André Masson
Located in Petworth, West Sussex
Andre Masson (French, 1896 – 1987) Etoile filante (Shooting star) Lithograph Signed ‘Andre Masson’ (lower right) and inscribed ‘pour Lily’ (lower left) Impression measures 12 x 10 i...
Lithograph
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H 17 in W 14 in
French Abstract Surrealist Lithograph Andre Masson Mourlot Paris Limited Edition
By André Masson
Located in Surfside, FL
The portfolio is numbered #29/175 and hand signed by Andre Masson, the individual sheets are not hand signed or numbered.
Lithograph
Sold
H 17 in W 13 in
French Abstract Surrealist Lithograph Andre Masson Mourlot Paris Limited Edition
By André Masson
Located in Surfside, FL
The portfolio is numbered #29/175 and hand signed by Andre Masson, the individual sheets are not hand signed or numbered.
Lithograph
Sold
H 17 in W 13 in
French Abstract Surrealist Lithograph Andre Masson Mourlot Paris Limited Edition
By André Masson
Located in Surfside, FL
The portfolio is numbered #29/175 and hand signed by Andre Masson, the individual sheets are not hand signed or numbered.
Lithograph
Sold
H 17 in W 13 in
French Abstract Surrealist Lithograph Andre Masson Mourlot Paris Limited Edition
By André Masson
Located in Surfside, FL
The portfolio is numbered #29/175 and hand signed by Andre Masson, the individual sheets are not hand signed or numbered.
Lithograph
Sold
H 17 in W 13 in
French Abstract Surrealist Lithograph Andre Masson Mourlot Paris Limited Edition
By André Masson
Located in Surfside, FL
The portfolio is numbered #29/175 and hand signed by Andre Masson, the individual sheets are not hand signed or numbered.
Lithograph
Sold
H 17 in W 26 in
French Abstract Surrealist Lithograph Andre Masson Mourlot Paris Limited Edition
By André Masson
Located in Surfside, FL
The portfolio is numbered #29/175 and hand signed by Andre Masson, the individual sheets are not hand signed or numbered.
Lithograph
Sold
H 17 in W 13 in
French Abstract Surrealist Lithograph Andre Masson Mourlot Paris Limited Edition
By André Masson
Located in Surfside, FL
The portfolio is numbered #29/175 and hand signed by Andre Masson, the individual sheets are not hand signed or numbered.
Lithograph
Andre Masson cubist Lithograph signed numbered, silk matte
Located in Palm Springs, CA
A nice lithograph by the important French/American artist Andre Masson, this lithograph is cubist in style and has been recently framed.
Lithograph
Sold
H 29.5 in W 36 in D 1 in
Mid-Century Modern Framed Large E.A. Lithograph Seduction Signed Andre Masson
Located in Keego Harbor, MI
For your consideration is a whimsical, framed e.a. lithograph, entitled "Seduction," signed by Andre Masson. In excellent condition. The dimensions of the frame are 36" W x 29.5" H a...
Acrylic
Cubist Lithograph important French American artist Andre Masson
Located in Palm Springs, CA
A great vibrant lithograph by the important French American artist Andre Masson. It is signed in pencil lower right margin and numbered in pencil lower left margin 3/180.
Lithograph
Standing Nude
By André Masson
Located in New York, NY
The work is numbered 8/50 in the bottom left hand corner and signed "André Masson" in the bottom right. It comes presented in a custom walnut gallery frame and is in excellent vintag...
Etching
Sold
H 11.03 in W 9.85 in D 0.04 in
Portrait - Lithograph by André Masson - Late 20th Century
By André Masson
Located in Roma, IT
Portrait is an original lithograph realized by André Masson, signed on the plate, edition of 75, with the stamp of Dynamo Leige (Belgique) edition on the back.
Lithograph
Andre’ Masson “Lombes” Lithograph
By André Masson
Located in Winnetka, IL
This is a wonderful abstract lithograph by the French artist Andre Masson in 1957 signed in pencil 3/50 in its original frame.
Paper
![[From La Mysticite... Portfolio] Hand-Signed Etching w/ Aquatint by André Masson](https://a.1stdibscdn.com/andre-masson-prints-works-on-paper-from-la-mysticite-portfolio-hand-signed-etching-w-aquatint-by-andre-masson-for-sale/a_14642/a_74517721611894821422/Masson_Andre_Untitled_LaMysticite_24of100_1976_1_HeroFrame_master.jpg?width=240)
![[From La Mysticite... Portfolio] Hand-Signed Etching w/ Aquatint by André Masson](https://a.1stdibscdn.com/andre-masson-prints-works-on-paper-from-la-mysticite-portfolio-hand-signed-etching-w-aquatint-by-andre-masson-for-sale-picture-2/a_14642/a_74517721611894822169/Masson_Andre_Untitled_LaMysticite_24of100_1976_2_Main_master.jpg?width=240)
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H 18.5 in W 14.875 in D 1.125 in
[From La Mysticite... Portfolio] Hand-Signed Etching w/ Aquatint by André Masson
By André Masson
Located in Encino, CA
Untitled, a Limited Edition and Hand-Signed Etching with Aquatint from the portfolio "La Mysticite Charnelle de Rene Crevel" by André Masson, is a piece for the true collector.
Etching, Aquatint
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H 26.38 in W 20.08 in D 0.04 in
Abstract Composition - Original Lithograph by André Masson - 1970s
By André Masson
Located in Roma, IT
Abstract Composition is an original color lithograph realized in the half of the XX century by Andre Masson. Hand-signed on the lower right margin.
Lithograph
Nu - Cubist Nude Oil Painting by Andre Masson
By André Masson
Located in Marlow, Buckinghamshire
Signed oil on canvas nude figure circa 1946 by French painter Andre Masson.
Canvas, Oil
Sold
H 17 in W 13 in
French Abstract Surrealist Lithograph Andre Masson Mourlot Paris Limited Edition
By André Masson
Located in Surfside, FL
The portfolio is numbered #29/175 and hand signed by Andre Masson, the individual sheets are not hand signed or numbered.
Lithograph
Sold
H 17 in W 13 in
French Abstract Surrealist Lithograph Andre Masson Mourlot Paris Limited Edition
By André Masson
Located in Surfside, FL
The portfolio is numbered #29/175 and hand signed by Andre Masson, the individual sheets are not hand signed or numbered.
Lithograph
Sold
H 17 in W 13 in
French Abstract Surrealist Lithograph Andre Masson Mourlot Paris Limited Edition
By André Masson
Located in Surfside, FL
The portfolio is numbered #29/175 and hand signed by Andre Masson, the individual sheets are not hand signed or numbered.
Lithograph
Sold
H 17 in W 13 in
French Abstract Surrealist Lithograph Andre Masson Mourlot Paris Limited Edition
By André Masson
Located in Surfside, FL
The portfolio is numbered #29/175 and hand signed by Andre Masson, the individual sheets are not hand signed or numbered.
Lithograph
Sold
H 33.5 in W 27.5 in
"Couple Alchimique from Je Reve (I Dream) Portfolio" Original Color Litho signed
By André Masson
Located in Milwaukee, WI
"Couple Alchimique" is an original color lithograph from the Je Reve portfolio by Andre Masson. This lithograph depicts a male and female figure in neutral browns and orange-yellow.
Lithograph
Large Ceramic Bowl Decorated and Signed by Andre Aleth Masson
By André Aleth Masson
Located in Saint Ouen, FR
Large bowl, grogged clay with polychrome glaze and slip, with an abstract decoration incised. The piece is signed by the French artist. A certificate of authenticity could be de...
Ceramic, Clay
$975Sale Price|35% Off
H 27 in W 32.5 in D 1 in
André Masson "Judith and Holofernes", 1974
By André Masson
Located in Washington, DC
Signed color lithograph by French artist André Masson (1896-1987). Title of work is Judith and Holofernes. Work is signed and numbered 74/150 in pencil, on Japanese paper with full m...
Archival Paper
Jan Nosek Nude Painting, c. Mid-20th Century
Located in Savannah, GA
Jan Nosek (American, 1876-1966) Seated nude woman in an interior setting by artist and illustrator Jan Nosek. Oil on canvas, mid 20th century Signed lower right: J. Nosek sight: 1...
Canvas, Wood, Paint
André Masson - Original Lithograph
By André Masson
Located in Collonge Bellerive, Geneve, CH
André Masson - Composition Original Lithograph 1969 Dimensions: 32 x 25 cm Revue XXe Siècle Cahiers d'art published under the direction of G. di San Lazzaro. French painter born i...
Lithograph
$931
H 13.59 in W 10.83 in D 0.04 in
Abstract Composition - Lithograph by André Masson - 1970s
By André Masson
Located in Roma, IT
Abstract Composition is an original colored lithograph realized in the half of XX century. The artwork is hand signed on the lower right margin. Numbered on the lower left. Edition...
Lithograph
Atalante by Andre Masson
By André Masson
Located in New York, NY
Artist: Andre Masson Medium: Lithographic Poster before lettering, 1967 Dimensions: 29.5 x 22.75 in, 74.93 x 57.79 cm Classic Poster Paper - Excellent Condition A+ This Original ...
Lithograph
French Abstract Surrealist Color Lithograph Andre Masson
By André Masson
Located in Surfside, FL
Published Benincasa Carmine. Edizioni SEAT, Torino, Italy. Offset directly from the original plates. Limited edition. This is not hand signed or numbered. Signature in the printing p...
Lithograph, Offset
Figures in Landscape
By André Masson
Located in Roma, IT
Image dimensions: 53x43 cm. Limited edition of 30 prints numbered in roman numbers and signed by the Artist. Excellent conditions.
Lithograph
Dragon vert, Surrealist Etching by Andre Masson
By André Masson
Located in Long Island City, NY
Andre Masson, French (1896 - 1987) - Dragon vert, Medium: Etching and aquatint, signed and numbered in pecnil, Edition: 14/50, Image Size: 10.5 x 8 inches, Size: 16.25 x 13 in. (41....
Etching, Aquatint
No title
By André Masson
Located in Paris, FR
Lithograph Handsigned by the artist in pencil and numbered 38/150 53.00 cm. x 75.00 cm. 20.87 in. x 29.53 in. (paper) 48.00 cm. x 63.00 cm. 18.9 in. x 24.8 in. (image) LCD3845
Lithograph
Profil rose
By André Masson
Located in New York, NY
A very good impression of this color lithograph. Signed and numbered 14/200 in pencil.
Color, Lithograph
Le Prince Iris, Surrealist Lithograph by Andre Masson
By André Masson
Located in Long Island City, NY
Andre Masson, French (1896 - 1987) - Le Prince Iris from Je Reve Portfolio, Year: 1975, Medium: Lithograph on Arches, Signed and numbered in pencil, Edition: 93/125, Size: 20 in....
Lithograph
French Abstract Surrealist Color Lithograph Andre Masson
By André Masson
Located in Surfside, FL
Published Benincasa Carmine. Edizioni SEAT, Torino, Italy. Offset directly from the original plates. Limited edition. This is not hand signed or numbered. Signature in the printing p...
Lithograph, Offset
Caliban, Surrealist Lithograph by Andre Masson
By André Masson
Located in Long Island City, NY
Andre Masson, French (1896 - 1987) - Caliban, Year: 1966, Medium: Lithograph, Size: 10 x 7.5 in. (25.4 x 19.05 cm), Printer: Mourlot, Publisher: Mourlot, Paris
Lithograph
Chrysalides, Surrealist Etching by Andre Masson
By André Masson
Located in Long Island City, NY
Andre Masson, French (1896 - 1987) - Chrysalides, Year: Circa 1947, Medium: Etching and Aquatint on Arches, signed and numbered in pencil, Edition: EA, Image Size: 10 x 14 inches, S...
Etching, Aquatint
$7,800
H 33.625 in W 27.5 in
"Bacchanale from Je Reve (I Dream) Portfolio, " Original Color Lithograph
By André Masson
Located in Milwaukee, WI
"Bacchanale" is an original color lithograph by Andre Masson. This piece is from the Je Reve (I Dream) portfolio and is edition number H.C. XVV/XVV. Masson signed the piece in pencil...
Lithograph
Born in 1896 in Balagny-sur- Thérain, a small village in France, André Masson spent most of his youth in Brussels, Belgium working as a pattern maker at an embroidery atelier. Masson began his schooling in 1907 at the Académie Royale des Beaux-Arts in Brussels. In 1912, he relocated to Paris, where he attended the École des Beaux-Arts. In 1914, the artist was called to military duty for the First World War, where he was severely wounded and sent back to Paris. Much of Masson’s work is influenced by this trauma; his drawings and paintings executed during the 1920s represent battle scenes, blood, death, birds and fish. The strange realities of trench warfare and the immediate contiguity of life and death are drawn upon, and his imagery suggests a confrontation of life at an abnormal level of experience. His signature style deals with violence, evident in terrifying, fragmented figures, which reflect the horrors of the Spanish Civil War and WWII, as well as his troubled psyche in the aftermath of his service in WWI.
After WWI, Masson moved to the South of France, where he met Juan Gris, André Derain, Joan Miró and André Breton. Breton championed the Surrealist Manifesto and Masson joined in the group exhibition of the first Surrealists. An iconoclast, whose abrupt stylistic transitions defy classification, Masson also explored automatism (automatic drawing), a process that sought to express the creative force of the unconscious. These automatic drawings had no preconceived subject or composition. Like a medium channeling a spirit, Masson let his pen travel rapidly across the paper without conscious control. He soon found hints of images, fragmented bodies and objects, emerging from the abstract, lacelike web of pen marks. At times, Masson elaborated on these with conscious changes or additions, but he left the traces of the rapidly drawn ink mostly intact. Masson’s oeuvre explores several techniques of painting, drawing and sculpture and displays rich, colorful abstraction as well as monochrome imagery and automatic linear representations. An early Surrealist and student of Cubism, Masson went on to inspire the New York Abstract Expressionists. Masson developed a technique of automatic painting that retained the element of chance; he dripped glue onto paper to form drawings and then covered it with sand. These ‘sand paintings’ are unquestionably his most iconic style.
When Masson emigrated to the U.S. in 1939, he strongly influenced several American painters with this technique, the most evident example being Jackson Pollack. After his time in America, he returned to Europe and while living in Spain during the mid-1930s, he became enraptured with Spanish themes—bullfights, matadors and Spanish mythology. Masson finally settled down in France (Aix-en-Provence), where he took up a late interest in impressionistic landscape, but he ultimately came to a place where he painted nearly exclusively abstract images. Masson dedicated his life as an artist to encouraging the non-rational purpose in art, to the direct transference of subconscious thought and to the primal forces of conflicts that he experienced in the trenches of World War One. Masson sought to convey in his work a deeper reality of man’s behavior, his own complex personal imagery, and his belief that painting is not a matter of developing style but a part of life itself.