Rare Signed 1973 Dorothea Tanning Surrealist Color Etching en Chair Et en or Limited Edition 6/100

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Rare Signed 1973 Dorothea Tanning Surrealist Color Etching En Chair Et En Or Limited Edition 6/100

Capture a significant piece … Read more Rare Signed 1973 Dorothea Tanning Surrealist Color Etching En Chair Et En Or Limited Edition 6/100

Capture a significant piece of twentieth-century art history with this rare original color etching with aquatint by the legendary artist Dorothea Tanning. Titled En Chair Et En Or, which translates to In Flesh and Gold and was published in 1973, this work is a quintessential example of Tanning’s late career Surrealist mastery. The composition features fluid organic nude forms rendered in a vibrant, saturated palette of cerulean blue, golden yellow, and deep crimson. As an original limited-edition piece, numbered six out of one hundred and hand-signed in pencil by the artist in the lower margin, this work represents an exceptional investment for serious collectors of Modernist prints and Surrealist fine art. The masterful use of aquatint creates a rich textural landscape that bridges the gap between the subconscious dream state and physical reality, making this a museum-quality anchor for any sophisticated interior.

About the Artist
Dorothea Tanning was a titan of the Surrealist movement and is widely regarded as one of the most influential female artists of the twentieth century. Born in Illinois and later becoming a central figure in the Parisian avant-garde, she explored the depths of the subconscious and the complexities of desire through a wide range of media. Tanning was famously a member of the inner circle of Surrealists in New York and France, and her work is held in the permanent collections of the world's most prestigious institutions, including the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Tate Modern, and the Centre Pompidou. Owning a signed Tanning etching provides a direct connection to the same intellectual and artistic lineage that defined Modernism.

Historical Significance
This etching is part of a landmark series produced during the nineteen seventies, a decade that saw Dorothea Tanning reach a new peak of lyrical abstraction. Moving away from her earlier, more literal dreamscapes, she began to use the medium of the color etching to explore how figurative forms could dissolve and intertwine within a vibrant color field. This specific series, En Chair Et En Or, is highly regarded by art historians for its technical complexity and for its use of the aquatint process to achieve watercolor-like gradations in print. As interest in women of the Surrealist movement continues to reach record highs in the global art market, authenticated and signed works from this prolific era are essential documents of Tanning's enduring legacy.

Specifications and Dimensions
Artist: Dorothea Tanning (American, 1910-2012)
Title: En Chair Et En Or (In Flesh and Gold)
Year: 1973
Medium: Original Color Etching and Aquatint
Edition: Limited Edition 6/100
Signature: Hand Signed in Pencil by the Artist
Frame Size: 20.5 inches high by 18.25 inches wide by 1.5 inches deep
Sight Size: 13.5 inches high by 11 inches wide
Framing: Custom Black Modern Frame with Archival Matting

Condition Report
This original artwork is in excellent vintage condition, with the color pigments remaining remarkably vibrant and the paper margins staying crisp. The hand-signed pencil signature and edition numbering are clear and legible. The piece is professionally presented, matted, and housed behind protective glazing. The custom black wood frame is structurally sound and displays minor age-appropriate wear and small chips consistent with its fifty-year history, which adds to its authentic mid-century character. The work is gallery-ready and prepared for immediate display in a professional or residential setting.

Designers Note
From an interior design perspective, this Tanning etching is a powerful intellectual anchor. The abstracted figurative forms and the high-contrast pops of cerulean and crimson make it a sophisticated focal point across a range of aesthetics, from minimalist modern penthouses to eclectic gallery walls. I recommend placing this work in a library entryway or bedroom where the intricate textures of the aquatint can be appreciated up close. The organic fluid lines of the figures provide a necessary soft counterpoint to the hard edges of contemporary furniture, creating a space that feels curated, historically significant, and deeply personal.

Investment Potential and Collectibility
Works by Dorothea Tanning are currently experiencing a significant market resurgence, with her original prints becoming increasingly difficult to acquire outside of major auction houses. This particular color etching is a collector-grade piece due to its low edition size and rare saturated color palette. Unlike her monochrome works, the vibrant hues of En Chair Et En Or make it highly desirable for modern decorators and fine art investors alike. As a hand-signed and authenticated twentieth-century masterwork, this piece represents a tangible asset that brings both cultural prestige and long-term financial value to a private collection.

En Chair Et En Or represents the height of Dorothea Tanning’s graphic mastery and her unique vision of the human form. Whether you are anchoring a private study or seeking a prized addition to a Surrealist art collection, this signed 1973 original invites the bold spirit of the avant-garde into your home. This is a rare opportunity to own a piece of museum-quality history from one of the most celebrated artists of the modern era. Secure this authenticated investment in fine art today and let it become one of your own Cherished Memories. See less