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

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

Experience the evocative power of … Read more Rare Signed 1973 Dorothea Tanning Surrealist Etching “En Chair Et en Or” Limited Edition 6/100

Experience the evocative power of American Surrealism with this rare original etching by the legendary artist Dorothea Tanning. This captivating work, titled En Chair Et En Or, which translates to In Flesh and Gold, was published in nineteen seventy three and represents a mature period of the artist's career, during which figurative forms dissolve into fluid, dreamlike abstractions. The composition features Tannings' signature intertwining nude figures, rendered with delicate line work and masterful etching techniques, against a textured, warm gradient background. As an original limited-edition piece, numbered six out of one hundred and hand-signed in pencil by the artist herself, this work is a definitive investment for collectors of twentieth-century fine art and Surrealist history. The masterful use of aquatint creates a velvety depth that draws the viewer into a subconscious landscape, making this a sophisticated focal point for any high-end gallery wall or private collection.

About the Artist
Dorothea Tanning was a titan of the Surrealist movement and one of the most significant 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 desire and the domestic gothic through a wide range of media. Tanning was famously married to fellow artist Max Ernst, and her work is held in the permanent collections of the world's most prestigious institutions, including the Museum of Modern Art in New York, the Tate Modern in London, and the Centre Pompidou in Paris. Owning a signed Tanning etching is an opportunity to possess a piece of the same intellectual lineage that defined Modernism and the evolution of feminist art history.

Historical Significance
The early nineteen seventies marked a vital era for Dorothea Tanning, as she moved further into a lyrical, fluid style that departed from the rigid dreamscapes of her early career. En Chair Et En Or is a primary example of how the artist used printmaking to explore the human form as a landscape of shifting energy and golden light. This period of her work is increasingly sought after by curators as it bridges the gap between traditional Surrealism and the expressive abstraction of the late twentieth century. This specific edition helps document the ongoing relevance of the Surrealist group well into the post-war era and stands as a testament to Tanning's enduring mastery of the copper plate and the printing press.

Specifications and Dimensions
Artist: Dorothea Tanning (American, 1910-2012)
Title: En Chair Et En Or (In Flesh and Gold)
Year: 1973
Medium: Original Etching with Aquatint on Paper
Edition: Limited Edition 6/100
Signature: Hand Signed in Pencil, Lower Right
Frame Size: 20.5 inches wide by 1.5 inches deep by 18.25 inches high
Sight Size: 13.5 inches high by 11.25 inches wide
Framing: Custom Black Wood Frame with Archival Matting

Condition Report
This original etching is in excellent vintage condition with the paper and pigments retaining their full integrity and visual impact. The crisp lines of the etching and the tonal depth of the aquatint remain beautifully preserved. The artwork is professionally presented in a custom, modern black frame and high-quality archival matting, ensuring its long-term safety. The frame shows only very minor age-appropriate wear that does not detract from the overall aesthetic value. The reverse of the piece features a gallery label from Arts by Alexander in High Point, North Carolina, confirming its professional provenance and high-end presentation history.

Designers Note
This Dorothea Tanning etching is an incredible intellectual anchor for a sophisticated room design. The palette of earthy ochres and deep charcoals allows it to integrate seamlessly into a variety of high-end aesthetics from Dark Academia libraries to minimalist penthouses. I recommend placing this piece in an entryway or as part of a curated gallery wall where the intricate line work and authentic pencil signature can be appreciated at eye level. The organic fluidity of the abstract nudes provides a necessary soft counterpoint to the hard edges of mid-century modern furniture, creating a space that feels both curated and historically significant.

Investment Value and Collectibility
Works by Dorothea Tanning have seen a steady rise in value over the last decade as the art world continues to reevaluate and celebrate the contributions of women to the Surrealist movement. Signed etchings from this limited 1973 edition are rare to market and represent a tangible investment in twentieth-century art history. Unlike mass-produced prints, this hand-signed and numbered work carries the artist's direct touch, making it a legacy piece that will continue to appreciate in both cultural and financial value for generations to come.

En Chair Et En Or is a masterwork of subconscious beauty and refined technical execution. Whether you are anchoring a private study or seeking a prestigious centerpiece for a modernist collection, this signed 1973 original invites the profound legacy of American Surrealism into your home. This is a rare opportunity to own an authenticated piece from a titan of the twentieth-century avant-garde. Secure this investment in fine art today and let the dreamlike visions of Dorothea Tanning transform your interior landscape. See less