Alexander CalderComposition pour UNESCO. 1972.

Original aquatint with etching in colours, with relief printing. 1972. Signed in pencil. Also with the artist's monogram in the plate. Numbered from the edition of 75. (There were also 25 - XXV - artist's proofs). Etched and printed by Calder at the studio Stamperia 2RC - Rome, 1972. Published by the International Art Association (IAA) for UNESCO and with their blindstamp.

Note: Composition for Unesco is one of the most important works in Calder's graphic oeuvre. The great majority of Calder's work on prints is in lithography which he enjoyed for the fluidity of the strokes. However for just a few works he chose to use the more complex medium of 'acid-bitten' plates so as to exploit the surface textures possible with this method. It was a technique which, through the surface relief, emphasised the 'independent spatial positioning' of the forms, linking the two-dimensional form of a work on paper with his three- dimensional mobile sculptures. 'Composition pour UNESCO' is worked in deep-bitten aquatint together with textural etching and 'open-bite' line drawing. To make the plates he went to 2RC in Rome in 1972, one of the greatest studios in the world for this type of printmaking. This resulting work is widely recognised as a graphic masterpiece.

Provenance: Private Collection, Germany.

Superb fresh impression with brilliant colours. On heavy wove paper. Excellent fresh condition. Image worked virtually to full sheet size (using oversize plate). Sheet: 635 x 455mm.