Helen Frankenthaler – Valentine for Mr. Wonderful (book), 1995 – Intaglio

"Valentine for Mr. Wonderful" is a book of seven hand-printed intaglios by Helen Frankenthaler enclosed in a paper folio with cloth-covered box. - The book includes the poem St. Valentine by William Carlos Williams, printed in lithography on inside of folio cover. The hand-drawn image with title on folio cover printed in intaglio. Colophon text on inside back folio cover printed in lithography. - All books signed and numbered by artist on colophon page. - The box measures 13.75 x 10 × 1.24 inches (34.9 X 25.4 X 3.2 cm) - The seven image pages 11.75 × 8.25 inches (29.8 × 21.0 cm) each. - Published by Tyler Graphics Ltd.

Valentine for Mr. Wonderful by Helen Frankenthaler, created in 1995, is a limited edition artist's book consisting of seven hand-printed intaglio prints. The book is enclosed in a paper folio and housed within a cloth-covered box. Each page features a unique, abstract intaglio print that showcases Frankenthaler’s signature fluid forms, soft washes of color, and expressive line work. Accompanying the prints is the poem St. Valentine by William Carlos Williams, printed in lithography on the inside cover of the folio. The book's colophon page, printed in lithography, provides additional information, and the entire edition is signed and numbered by the artist. The box measures 34.9 x 25.4 x 3.2 cm, with individual image pages measuring 29.8 x 21.0 cm. This intimate work reflects Frankenthaler's mastery of abstraction and her ability to evoke emotion through non-representational forms. Published by Tyler Graphics Ltd., this limited edition book is part of an edition of 35, with an additional 10 artist proofs.

Helen Frankenthaler (USA, 1928–2011) was a leading abstract painter and a pioneer of the Color Field movement. Known for her innovative 'soak-stain' technique, she applied diluted paint directly onto unprimed canvases, creating luminous, fluid compositions that redefined modern abstraction.

Helen Frankenthaler

Valentine for Mr. Wonderful (book), 1995

Name: Valentine for Mr. Wonderful (book), 1995
Brand: Helen Frankenthaler
SKU: 13540
Price: 15700.00 USD
Availability: InStock

Form

Limited Edition Print

Limited Edition PrintA limited edition print is one of a number of prints made at the same time from one printmaking plate. A fixed number are made and signed by the artist, indicating the printing order, using the format 1/10, meaning first of ten prints.

Medium

Intaglio

IntaglioIntaglio is a printmaking technique where a design is incised below the surface of a metal or stone plate. Ink is applied to the plate, filling the incised lines or depressions, while the surface is wiped clean. The ink in the depressions is then transferred to paper using an etching press. Common intaglio techniques include engraving, etching, and drypoint.

Edition

Edition of 35 + 10 APs

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A really good picture looks as if it's happened at once. It's an immediate image.

- Helen Frankenthaler

Initially creating in the style of abstract expressionism before going on to pioneer the Colour Field movement, Helen Frankenthaler was an iconic, highly influential artist with work spanning across the mediums of painting, sculpture and printmaking. Frankenthaler was initially recognised for her colour-stain technique – the practice of applying heavily diluted oil paint onto an unprimed canvas that had been lay flat on the floor; the practice of laying the canvas flat was inspired by Jackson Pollock. Frankenthaler drew a lot of her inspiration from nature – her works would analyse natural forms and recreate them on the canvas – this, as well as the technique of laying the canvas flat, is exemplified in her most notable painting, Mountains and Sea. Asides from these paintings, Frankenthaler also received acclaim for her printmaking – Madame Butterfly is her most recognised print and was created with the use of 46 woodblocks and a range of 102 different colours. (Artist website)

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Artwork by Helen Frankenthaler

What is lyrical abstraction ?

Lyrical abstraction is a descriptive term characterizing a type of abstract painting closely related to Abstract Expressionism, in use from the 1940s to the present. The term can also describe two distinct but related trends in post-World War II modernist painting. This art movement originated in Paris, France, after the war, emphasizing personal expression, spontaneity, and the emotional use of color and form.

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Helen Frankenthaler

Valentine for Mr. Wonderful (book), 1995

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