Andre Masson - La Jerusalem délivrée

Etching (copperplate print) Limited edition: 59/70 Printer: Crommelynck (Paris) Image size: 46.50 × 39.00 cm (18.31 × 15.35 in.) Paper size: 66.00 × 50.00 cm (25.98 × 19.69 in.) Signed by the artist in pencil With certificate of authenticity In good condition Artwork Description This work, "La Jerusalem délivrée" (Jerusalem Delivered), is an print created by André Masson based on his deep interest in the literary and mythological world. The title is derived from the epic poem "Gerusalemme Liberata" by the 16th-century Italian poet Torquato Tasso, evoking a grand narrative set against the backdrop of the Crusades, where battle, faith, love, and fantasy intertwine. Masson does not merely illustrate the story; he transforms the spiritual tension and symbolism hidden within it into his own fantastic imagery. The screen is filled with a complex intertwining of forms reminiscent of people, animals, weapons, and plants, creating a space where dreams and myths intersect. The fluid and sharp lines reflect the influence of automatism (automatic writing) from his Surrealist period. At the same time, the composition has a grandeur and tension befitting an epic poem, maintaining a unique order amidst the chaos. Furthermore, the delicate lines and deep shading unique to copperplate prints create a dramatic atmosphere in the work. While visualizing the worldview of the literary work, Masson abstractly and poetically expresses universal themes such as human passion, battle, desire, and spirituality. This work strongly reflects the characteristics of Masson's art, which sought to connect the worlds of myth, literature, and the unconscious, resulting in a fascinating piece that fuses Surrealism with lyrical abstract expression.