Details — Click to read
This original screenprint is hand signed and dated by the artist in pencil “Motherwell” at the lower right margin.
It is also hand numbered in pencil from the edition of 250, at the lower left margin. There was also an edition of 50 numbered with Roman numerals and twelve hors commerce [out of trade] impressions.
It was printed by Maurel Studioes, New York and published by International Rescue Committee, New York.
This subject is one of twelve for the portfolio ‘Flight’ published by the International Rescue Committee. The other contributing artists were Eugene Berman, Alexander Calder, Marc Chagall, Wilfredo Lam, Jacques Lipchitz, André Masson, Joan Miró, Robert Motherwell, Édouard Pignon, Maria Helena Vieira da Silva and Fritz Wotruba.
Another impression of this work can be found in the collection of the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA), New York.
Note: The IRC (International Rescue Committee), founded by Varian Fry, was set up to rescue many of Europe’s Jewish cultural figures who were persecuted by the Nazis. From Marseille, Fry arranged for many of these artists and intellectuals to reach the safety of the United States, among them Marc Chagall, Max Ernst, André Masson to name but a few.
Following the War, the IRC continued to support and raise awareness of the plight of those who were displaced and fleeing further wars. In 1964 Fry suggested a portfolio of artists’ work could be created to raise funds for the ongoing work of the IRC. Several of the contributing artists had been directly evacuated by Fry’s actions. Each artist interpreted the ancient Greek warrior Aeneas – as he fled the burning city of Troy. Long considered to be an early symbol of ‘flight’.
Literature: Engberg, S. & Banach, J. (2003). Robert Motherwell, the Complete Prints 1940-1991. A Catalogue Raisonné. Minneapolis: Walker Art Gallery
Reference: Engberg & Banach 67.
Condition: Excellent Condition.
