CHRISTO "WRAPPED STAIRCASE, PARIS" 2001

Christo and Jeanne-Claude are two of the most ambitious and audacious artists of the 20th century. Their projects, both realized and proposed, are stunning examples of land art, installation and public sculpture. While their output consisted of large-scale temporary artworks, the couple also sold sketches, collages, and editions to finance their ambitious projects. Some of their most astounding works include wrapping the Pont-Neuf bridge in Pairs and the Reichstag in Berlin. In 2005 they unveiled "The Gates" in New York City's Central Park, which had been in development since 1979! The temporary nature of their work is perhaps its most alluring aspect. Only preparatory drawings, prints, and collages remain after the installations are dismounted. A combination of print and collage, "Wrapped Staircase, Paris" is an intimate and elegant image. A textured mockup of a winding staircase on the left is complimented by an annotated cross-section of Paris on its right, with a hand-written title at the top. Soft sandy tones compliment the black and white throughout, leaving viewers with a visually interesting and pleasing image that sparks the imagination. Questions about this piece? Contact us, call +1.416.704.1720, or visit our Toronto gallery. "Wrapped Staircase (project for the Rue de Paradis) Paris" France, 2001 Offset lithograph and screenprint, with collage of masking tape and map on Fabriano 300 g paper Signed and numbered in pencil, lower right Artist Proof 31/50 Titled in pencil, upper right Published by Collection Lambert, Avignon, France Printed by Domberger, Filderstadt (Stuttgart) 11"H 14"W (sheet) 15.5"H 19"W (framed) Very good condition Catalogue Raisonné: listed as number 181 in the online edition of the CR (link) Reference: Schellmann 181