Vintage Marcel Vertès “Circus Lovers” Original Lithograph Artist’s Proof Signed France 1940s

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Vintage Marcel Vertès “Circus Lovers” Original Lithograph Artist’s Proof Signed

Made in France 1940s.

Art Approximately 10 1/4" Wide x … Read more Vintage Marcel Vertès “Circus Lovers” Original Lithograph Artist’s Proof Signed

Made in France 1940s.

Art Approximately 10 1/4" Wide x 13 1/2" Long.

Framed w/Glass Approximately 18" Wide x 21" Long x 2" Deep.

Original lithograph on paper by Hungarian-French artist Marcel Vertès (1895–1961), titled Circus Lovers.

This intimate figural composition depicts an embracing couple in Vertès’s characteristically fluid, economical line.

The work is marked “E.A.” at lower left (épreuve d’artiste, or Artist’s Proof) and is hand-signed “Vertes” in pencil at lower right. The lithographic image retains the spontaneous, crayon-like character of an original drawing.

An old typewritten identification/dealer label remains on the reverse and identifies the work as: “MARCEL VERTES (Hungarian-French 1895-1962) Circus Lovers … Original lithograph. Artist’s proof signed in pencil … $185.” The label’s death date is one year later than the generally accepted 1961 date for Vertès. The historic label is retained as an important part of the work’s provenance and identification.

The lithograph is presented under glass in an elaborate carved/gessoed, gilt and painted frame with linen liner. The substantial frame has an intentionally aged, highly decorative surface that complements the work. Original/older backing materials, hanging wire and identification label remain on the reverse.

Vertès was a Hungarian-born French painter, illustrator, printmaker, costume and set designer known for elegant, expressive depictions of Parisian life, performers, dancers and circus subjects. He worked in Paris and New York and became particularly associated with sophisticated mid-20th-century figurative illustration and lithography.

Excellent vintage condition consistent with age. The paper shows expected age toning. The ornate frame exhibits age-related wear, losses, rubbing and surface variation to the gilt/gesso decoration, visible in the photographs. Please review all photographs carefully as they form part of the condition description. See less