Original 1964 Lithograph "Composition" by Alfred Manessier

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Original lithograph from "Prints from the Mourlot Press", a catalog of an exhibition sponsored by the French Embassy and circulated … Read more Original lithograph from "Prints from the Mourlot Press", a catalog of an exhibition sponsored by the French Embassy and circulated by the Traveling Exhibition Service of the National Collection of Fine Arts, Smithsonian Institution, in 1964-65, with original lithographs by Chagall, Picasso, Miro, Beaudin, Esteve, Matisse, Guiramand, Florsheim, Cathelin, Brasilier, Brianchon, Cocteau, Minaux, Jenkins, Calder, Kito, Giacometti, and Manessier. Printed by the Mourlot Press, Paris, October 1964. Print size: 10 x 7-3/8 inches on Velin d’Arches paper. Verso titled. Signed in stone. Mint condition new old stock from our complete copy of "Prints from the Mourlot Press". Colophon pages shown for provenance purposes and not included.

Per S. Dillon Ripley, Secretary, Smithsonian Institute:

“Fernand Mourlot has long been the acknowledged master printer of France in every field, from lithographs to fine books to posters. The unfailing quality of his work commands the respect of museums, collectors, and most important of all, the artists themselves. Every product of his workshop bears the mark of Mourlot’s discipline and craft and can truly be called an ideal collaboration between artist and artisan... The result of years of thoughtful planning, this special exhibition presents an accurate portrait of the Mourlot Press. We are greatly indebted to Fernand Mourlot, who made the selection, supervised the production of the catalogue, and gave endless time and energy to the details of preparation.”

Alfred Manessier (1911–1993) was a French painter, printmaker, and stained-glass artist associated with Lyrical Abstraction and the non-figurative sacred art movement in the mid-20th century. He was initially influenced by Cubism and Surrealism, but after World War II shifted toward a more spiritual abstract style, combining modern forms with religious and poetic themes. He later created windows for many churches and cathedrals across France and Europe, helping to revive the tradition of stained glass in modern religious architecture. His paintings and prints are marked by radiant color, rhythmic patterns, with a sense of inner luminosity, often evoking stained glass. See less