1938 Andre Masson The Sun Lithograph Print Original VERVE Rare

Andre Masson's The Sun hails from one of the first sets of original lithographs commissioned by the Paris publisher, Verve Vol.1 No.2, An Artistic and Literary Quarterly, 1938, France; lithographs pulled from the presses of Mourlot Freres. Original color lithograph on wove paper, size 10.25" x 14", signed on the plate on the lower left, framed. Excellent condition with vibrant colors. Andre Masson: Together with Joan Miro and Max Ernst, Andre Masson is recognized as one of the leading Surrealist artists of the twentieth century. Apart from brief and uninspired classes at the Ecole des Beaux-Arts in both Brussels and Paris, Andre Masson was largely self-taught. His career was momentarily halted by the outbreak of World War One in which he served as a soldier and was wounded. During his convalescence, however, he met and became good friends with the painter, Chaim Soutine. After the war, Andre Masson moved to Paris and was influenced first by Matisse and the Fauves and then by Braque and the Cubists. Yet, as early as 1920, Masson was turning more and more to the both visionary and irrational elements of contemporary art, known as Surrealism. And, although he never associated himself directly with the Surrealist movement, Masson became friends with such leaders as Miro and Aragon. As well, the most influential of Surrealist writers, Andre Breton, championed Masson's art. Andre Masson's first lithographs were created in 1925 for the book, Simulacre. From that point on lithography played a major role in Masson's art, both in individually commissioned works (such as this original example) and in his fine, illustrated books. For Masson, color lithography was a perfect vehicle for his artistic expression. As The Sun clearly shows, color and form envisioned through movement and spontaneity were among Masson's most gifted talents. This early Masson lithograph is a major work of Surrealist art. Escaping the Nazi occupation of the Second World War, Andre Masson lived in New York from 1941 to 1945. There he proved a major influence upon many young American artists, such as Jackson Pollack, and also played a role in establishing Stanley Hayter's famous Atelier 17. Masson returned to Paris at the end of the war but his ties to contemporary American art remained strong and during the final thirty years of his life he received many important commissions from both France and the United States. The Sun was commissioned by the Paris publisher, Verve, in 1938 for one of their first volumes. Andre Masson also contributed an original companion lithograph for this edition entitled, The Moon. From 1937 to 1960 Verve was a leader for promoting modern movements in art. Printed and published in Paris, this periodical contained major articles on and by leading contemporary artists. More importantly, each issue contained at least one original print created specifically for the publication. During its publishing history such famous artists as Miro, Matisse, Masson, Klee, Leger, Maillol and many others all contributed original works of graphic art. Don't let it get away! International buyders Are Welcome! TERMS & POLICIES: ALL MY ITEMS ARE GUARANTEED TO BE AUTHENTIC! All descriptions, photographs and representations made by me have been made honestly and to the best of my ability. Also showing many pictures for you to see. Please fill free to ask any questions before buying. I inspect everything before I purchase it and I am always available to truthfully answer any question about the item before you decide to purchase it, so don't be afraid to ask. Payment Information: I accept the following payment methods: Paypal or Propay. Please pay within 3 days of ordering. Shipping Information: I offer combined shipping on all items! Your item will be carefully packed and dispatched within 1day (Mon.-Fri.) of receiving payment. Returns Policy: If you are not happy with your item please return in the original packaging and with all tags attached within 14 days. Goods must be returned carriage paid. Refund of purchase price will be refunded by the same method as the payment was made. Postage and packaging will not be refunded. Contacts: The Best Way to Contact me with any questions or concerns is directly through the item itself under "ask a question" at the bottom of the page! If you are unhappy in any way, Please contact me before leaving a Neutral or Negative Feedback! I like to have Very Happy Customers! Thank You Very Much for stopping by to visit my Store!