Mid-Century Modern Scholar Hand-Colored Signed Etching by Quintana Limited Edition 24/100

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Mid-Century Modern Scholar Hand-Colored Signed Etching By Quintana Limited Edition 24/100

This evocative mid-century character study, titled Scholar, is an … Read more Mid-Century Modern Scholar Hand-Colored Signed Etching By Quintana Limited Edition 24/100

This evocative mid-century character study, titled Scholar, is an original hand-colored etching by the French-American artist John Le Quintana. The work depicts a dignified elderly Jewish scholar in a traditional long coat and hat, clutching a stack of vibrant books and a walking stick, representing a classic example of Quintana's celebrated human-interest studies. As a limited-edition piece, numbered 24 of 100 and hand-signed by the artist in pencil, this etching showcases the masterful technical detail and velvety blacks characteristic of traditional acid-etched plates. The piece is professionally presented in a vintage wood frame with a subtle lime wash finish that perfectly complements the hand-applied pigments within the artwork, making it a sophisticated addition to any collection of twentieth-century figurative art.

About the Artist
John Le Quintana was a French-American artist active in the twentieth century who gained recognition for his soulful, meticulously detailed etchings. His body of work often focused on figurative subjects and character studies that captured the quiet dignity of everyday life. Quintana was particularly skilled in the demanding medium of etching, where he combined the precision of the copper plate with the soft, organic feel of hand-applied watercolors. His pieces were frequently featured in mid-century galleries such as Artlore, which specialized in bringing refined European-influenced artworks to the American market.

Historical Significance
This etching represents the mid-century interest in narrative figurative art, which remained a powerful parallel movement to the rise of abstraction. Quintana's work sits within the long tradition of European printmaking and Judaica art, focusing on the preservation of cultural identity through visual storytelling. During the post-war period, artists like Quintana used the medium of the limited edition print to make high-quality fine art accessible to the burgeoning class of American collectors. The presence of the original Artlore gallery label on the reverse provides a verifiable link to the mid-century Manhattan art trade, where such pieces were highly prized for their craftsmanship and cultural depth.

Specifications and Dimensions
Artist: John Le Quintana
Title: Scholar
Technique: Hand-colored etching on paper
Edition Number: 24 of 100
Signature: Hand-signed in pencil by the artist
Frame Size: 15.25 inches wide by 1 inch deep by 21.5 inches high
Sight Size: 4.5 inches wide by 10.5 inches high
Style: Mid-Century Figurative

Condition Report
This vintage etching is in good condition, with the hand-colored accents remaining bright and the paper well preserved, free of any visible foxing or water damage. The original pencil signature and edition numbering are crisp and clearly legible. The vintage wood frame is structurally sound and displays a charming, authentic patina with minor surface scuffs and wear consistent with its age. The reverse of the piece is securely sealed and retains its original historical gallery label, ensuring the provenance remains intact.

Designers Note
This John Le Quintana etching is a wonderful find for a designer looking to add a layer of intellectual soul to a library or professional study. The artwork's narrow vertical orientation makes it an ideal choice for styling thin wall segments or as a vertical anchor in a varied gallery wall. I love how the lime-washed frame provides a light neutral border that allows the pops of magenta and yellow in the scholar's books to really stand out. It pairs beautifully with dark wood shelving, leather-bound books, and traditional mid-century decor to create a space that feels curated and lived in.

Provenance and Gallery Labeling
The inclusion of the original Artlore gallery label on the backing of this frame significantly elevates its collectibility. Artlore was known for distributing limited edition original etchings by established international artists during the nineteen sixties and seventies. This label not only confirms the title and medium of the work but also serves as a stamp of quality for buyers who value artworks with a clear history in the American gallery system. For collectors of Judaica or vintage prints, this verified labeling ensures that the piece is a genuine Quintana original.

The John Le Quintana Scholar etching is a timeless piece of figurative art that combines artisanal printmaking with a deeply moving subject. Whether you are expanding a collection of limited-edition etchings or searching for a standout cultural accent for a modern home, this hand-colored work offers both historical value and aesthetic beauty. Secure this signed Quintana original today to bring a sense of mid-century prestige and scholarly dignity to your interior design. See less