Lithograph, 1957
Numbered 87/100
Published by Éditions Le Musée de Poche (Paris)
Printed by Jean Pons
Catalogue Raisonné: Polieri 1747
Paper size: 66.0 × 50.0 cm
Image size: 54.5 × 43.5 cm
Hand-signed by the artist in pencil
Comes with a certificate of authenticity
Condition: Excellent
On BFK Rives paper.
Paper is toned with tape residue on the margins.
About the Work
Jean-Michel Atlan (1913–1960) was a painter who, despite his short life, had a very intense creative period. Born and raised in Algeria, he was deeply influenced by the traditions of Berber culture. In Paris, he studied philosophy and was friends with the philosopher Gaston Bachelard.
He was a self-taught painter, developing a powerful and unique formal world derived from African, pre-Columbian, and Assyrian art.
As is often seen in Atlan's work, the forms in this piece are enigmatic. While they evoke the presence of living creatures, they do not explicitly represent anything. This ambiguity is one of the charms of Atlan's art.
These forms are not linked to a specific narrative or context, but the artist imbues them with a special energy through powerful black lines. The colors temper the strength of the black while enriching the composition. The orange background, with a texture like a pencil drawing, exhibits a vibrant glow, and the addition of blue and red hues completes a powerful and dynamic screen.
