Henri Matisse 1st Run Lithograph Print Signed in Plate from Verve 1954 Framed Teriade and Mourlot Blue Nude The Frog

HENRI MATISSE
"La Grenouille" or "The Frog" Blue Nude
First Run Lithograph Print (Edition under 2,000)
Signed in the Plate from Verve 1958
(Printing overseen by Matisse in 1954)
Teriade and Mourlot

Newly conservation framed and matted, with a Charles Scott Gallery COA

The importance of Verve is not well known outside of the art world. Created by E. Teriade and printed by the world famous Mourlot, it was not simply a magazine (much like the more well known Derrier Le Miroir and XXe Siecle). It was an extremely limited art exhibit, containing FIRST RUN LITHOGRAPHS by 20th century masters. There were only 23 volumes of 38 issues released over the course of 23 years because of the quality and time taken to create each volume. And printing numbers ranged from around 6,500 down to 1,000.

This lithograph was produced at the end of Matisse's life in 1954 and is part of the only edition of lithographs produced directly by Matisse working with Mourlot. This image reproduces one of his iconic pochoir designed and was incorporated into a volume of Verve, "Dernieres Oeuvres de Matisse" celebrating his last works and published posthumously by Teriade in Paris in 1958. Referenced in the Catalogue Raisonne: Duthuit 139. Freitag 6231. There were approximately 2,000 copies issued. It is unknown how many have survived.

Framed to approx. 17 5/8" x 19 5/8" in a silver metal frame. Museum rag matting, UV acrylic. Edges of print yellowed but hidden by mat.