Irving Amen “Chess Board” Mid-Century Modern Signed Color Woodcut

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Description

“Chess Board” by Irving Amen is a colorful woodcut with a distinctly Mid-Century Modern composition. Stylized chess pieces stand within … Read more “Chess Board” by Irving Amen is a colorful woodcut with a distinctly Mid-Century Modern composition. Stylized chess pieces stand within an irregular arrangement of orange, blue, pale yellow, green, and black rectangles. Two crowned figures occupy the center, surrounded by knights, rooks, bishops, and pawns rendered in contrasting light and dark forms.

The image draws its character from the relationship between the familiar game pieces and their geometric surroundings. Horse-head profiles, patterned crowns, and tower-shaped rooks give each section its own identity. Fine linear marks interrupt the broad fields of color, adding the lively surface detail associated with the woodcut medium. The arrangement is decorative and graphic, with a balance of warm and cool tones.

The print is signed “Amen” in the lower-right margin and titled “Chess Board” at the lower left, where an edition notation also appears. A charcoal-colored mat with a narrow reddish inner accent surrounds the light paper margin. The gold-tone frame has black edging that echoes the strong outlines within the artwork.

Its horizontal format works well above a writing desk, small cabinet, or games table. The chess subject suits a study or library, while the colors and stylized forms pair naturally with Mid-Century Modern furniture and a collected gallery wall.

Overall framed dimensions: 25″ W × 18.5″ H. Interior image area: approximately 18″ W × 13″ H.

Condition: age appropriate wear, vintage finish, discoloration, see photos. See less