Andre Masson The Moon and the Sun

Lithograph, 1968

Edition: 200

Image Size: 61.00 × 45.00 cm
(24.02 × 17.72 in.)

Paper Size: 75.00 × 57.00 cm
(29.53 × 22.44 in.)

Signed by the artist in pencil
Artist's Proof
With certificate of authenticity
In good condition

Created based on a pastel work from around 1965
Paper has some toning

About the Artwork

Created in 1968, this lithograph is a prime example of the poetic and symbolic worldview André Masson achieved in the 1960s. The title, "The Moon and the Sun," evokes timeless themes from ancient mythology and cosmology, symbolizing the dualistic world of opposition and harmony, day and night, masculinity and femininity, consciousness and the unconscious.

The moon and sun depicted in the image are presented as anthropomorphic figures, reminiscent of human faces, moving away from naturalistic representation. Their fantastical expressions appear like spirits emerging from the world of dreams and myths, imparting a mysterious impression to the viewer.

The curved, flowing lines are imbued with the free spirit of automatism, which Masson explored for many years. At the same time, the light and nuanced lines clearly demonstrate a calligraphic sensibility born from his interest in East Asian calligraphy and Chinese and Japanese art.

In the 1960s, Masson, while maintaining the intense experimental spirit of early Surrealism, moved towards a more symbolic and meditative figurative abstraction (a fusion of figuration and abstraction). In this work, cosmic motifs are lightly intertwined with free lines and colors, creating a space filled with dreams and lyricism.

Furthermore, this work, created based on a pastel piece from around 1965, combines a soft color sensibility with the rich texture unique to prints, conveying the spiritual lightness and sophistication seen in Masson's later works. It is a fantastical work characteristic of André Masson, where mythology, the cosmos, and East Asian spirituality intersect.