Wassily KandinskyConstructivist Composition. 1939.

Original woodcut in two colours. 1938-39. Signed with the artist’s monogram in the block (no hand-signed impressions are known). Hand-printed under Kandinsky’s direct supervision at the studio of San Lazzaro, Paris, May 1939. Edition issued by San Lazzaro for ‘XXe Siècle’, May/June 1939.

The edition was c. 600 impressions for the European Market and c. 600 for the US market. The editions were offered for sale by San Lazzaro just at the time of the outbreak of World War 2. A major percentage of the US edition was never offered for sale due to the problems of the trans-atlantic shipment at this mid 1939 date and was later lost.

Note: The issue, as described above, is the only existing edition.

Reference: Roethel - Kandinsky The Graphic Work, no 201.

Excellent bright impression with totally fresh colours. On pale cream mid-weight wove paper; in pristine condition preserved by the original example of the folio in which it was sold in 1939. Printed virtually to the full she size, as issued. Sheet 243 x 318mm.