RIOPELLE "ÉTÉ INDIEN" LITHOGRAPH, 1969

Jean-Paul Riopelle (1923-2002) is arguably the most successful post-war abstract painter from Canada. While Americans have traditionally favored Jackson Pollock as the most influential Abstract Expressionist of the 20th century, Riopelle's stature in Europe is of competing importance for his version of 'automatic' action painting. His early canvases were densely intricate webs of constructed color created by using a palette knife. His later work both loosened up and became more structured as he experimented with composition and more specific or limited palettes. Riopelle would also embrace a range of media, including works on paper and prints. This work is an anomaly in the artist's print oeuvre, namely due to its size. In the late 1960s, print studios were ambitious, but did not have the technical means to print oversized works. In order to create this lithograph on a single sheet, the paper was folded, and each half was printed from a separate plate. The resulting image is layered, textured, and dense -- with semi-opaque layers blending and mingling with black and red marks. "Été Indien" was made in conjuction with two other oversized lithographs, each focusing on nature – the other two were called "Automne" and "Clairière" (Fall, and Clearing). With explorative, symbiotic elements, this work evokes the texture and density of a hot hot summer, among the textured layers of a forrest. This oversized work is a fantastic synthesis of Riopelle's artistic characteristics of the late 1960's. Completely captivating, the lithograph a special production by a seminal Canadian artist that would make an impressive and exciting addition to any collection. Questions about this artwork? Contact us, call +1.416.704.1720, or visit our Toronto gallery. "Été Indien" Lithograph in colors on wove paper, the full sheet France, 1969 Signed in pencil, lower right; numbered "19/75" in pencil, lower left Published by Galerie Maeght, Paris 59.25"H 45.5"W (work) (framed) Very good condition Catalogue Raisonné: Yseult Riopelle, Jean Paul Riopelle: Catalogue raisonné des estampes (Montreal: Hibou Éditeurs, 2005), 197, no. 1969.02EST.LI. Reference: YSEULT RIOPELLE, 1969.02EST.LI Literature: – Lithographies et eaux-fortes, Maeght Éditeur, 1971, p. 233 – Riopelle, Chasseur d’images, Guy Robert, Éditions France-Amérique, 1981, p. 245 – Lithographies, gravures originales, Maeght Éditeur, 1985, p. 211 – « Les estampes de Riopelle : un marché fascinant mais vulnérable », Lisanne Nadeau, Le Soleil, Québec, 27 mai 1989, p. E-10 – « L’événement Riopelle, les plus belles estampes 1966–1995 », Jennifer Couëlle, Le Devoir, Montréal, 23–24 mars 1996, p. B-11 Note: Price is $24,500 CAD