1980s Michel-Henry “Delphiniums” Artist’s Proof Serigraph e.a. 5/50

Details

Description

A commanding large-scale artist’s proof serigraph by celebrated French artist Michel-Henry (1928–2016), “Delphiniums” brings together the elements for which the … Read more A commanding large-scale artist’s proof serigraph by celebrated French artist Michel-Henry (1928–2016), “Delphiniums” brings together the elements for which the artist became especially admired: exuberant flowers, saturated color and a luminous Mediterranean-inspired view toward the water.

The composition moves from the extraordinary density and texture of the foreground bouquet into brilliant passages of turquoise, cobalt, emerald, ochre and red. At 50 inches wide in its substantial gallery frame, the work has tremendous presence from across a room, while closer viewing reveals the richly layered color, texture and intricate detail of the serigraph.

The work is hand-signed by Michel-Henry in graphite at lower right and hand-inscribed “E.A. 5/50” at lower left, identifying this impression as Épreuve d’Artiste (Artist’s Proof) number 5 of 50. At the time of its original purchase in 1989, Billy Hork Galleries represented the work to the purchaser as one of 50 artist’s proofs, with no additional artist’s proofs beyond that edition.

The provenance is particularly well preserved. This work was acquired new from Billy Hork Galleries in Evanston, Illinois, in 1989 and has remained continuously in the same private collection since that original gallery acquisition. The original Billy Hork Galleries label remains affixed to the reverse, identifying the work as “Delphiniums / Serigraph” and recording its original gallery retail price of $1,195.

The serigraph retains its substantial period gallery presentation, with triple matting and a sculptural black frame. Overall framed dimensions are 50 inches wide by 45 inches high by 1 1/2 inches deep. The artwork itself measures approximately 38 inches wide by 33 inches high.

More than three decades after its original gallery acquisition, “Delphiniums” remains a striking statement piece: exuberant, sophisticated and unapologetically colorful. Its monumental scale, Artist’s Proof designation, documented gallery provenance and continuous single-collection history make it an especially compelling example of Michel-Henry’s celebrated floral imagery.

The work is wired and ready for display.

CONDITION DETAILS

Excellent vintage presentation with minor imperfections, all photographed and fully disclosed.

The serigraph itself presents beautifully with strong, vivid color. Along portions of the right side, there is minor localized undulation/separation where the artwork and surrounding matting do not lie completely flush, producing a slight shadow visible at certain viewing angles. No tear or loss to the artwork is apparent in these areas.

The substantial black gallery frame is otherwise exceptionally well preserved, with one localized area of surface/finish irregularity along the molding, photographed in detail. This is not a scratch and, according to the original purchaser, has been present since the work was acquired new in 1989.

On the reverse, the original black paper dust cover remains intact and sealed to the frame. There is minor localized lifting/curling of the dust-cover paper along a portion of the far right edge; however, the outer perimeter remains sealed to the frame and has not detached. A small area of minor lifting is also present near the upper edge; this can be gently pressed flat and remains in place. These minor conditions are limited to the exterior dust-cover paper and have no corresponding effect on the artwork. Please see the detailed photographs.

Detailed photographs are provided to document the artwork, signature, E.A. 5/50 inscription, original gallery label, frame, triple-matted presentation and all disclosed condition points. See less