Othon
Friesz

Othon Friesz, The Ship, woodcut

Le Navire

I.F.F. n.d.

woodcut, circa 1908 (?), a fine trial proof impression of the only known state, aside from the first edition (of 12?)*, on fine ivory laid paper with a watermark (shield with a caduceus and the letters CF), with wide margins, signed by the artist in pencil lower right, and annotated with the title in the lower left corner, some slight soiling overall, otherwise in very good condition

P. 93x88mm., S. 313x235mm.

This vibrant seascape clearly shows Friesz's concern with both contrasting fields of light/dark and formal curvilinear rhythms, sleekly instilling movement in the schooner off the promontory.

 

* Regarding identifiable editions, see our discussion of L'Oasis, which (given the identical paper and signatures) would seem to correspond to the present print, even though the latter is to our knowledge undocumented.