Tree Rhythm by Luigi Lucioni
This is an etching titled "Tree Rhythm" by Italian-American artist Luigi Lucioni. It was published in 1953 by Associated American Artists in an edition of 250. Lucioni is a master of chiaroscuro (light and shadow) and this is never more evident that when he is etching the bark of trees and rustic buildings. For this etching, he uses a sepia ink, rather than black on cream paper that conveys a warmth of a summer day. The artist is standing in the shade of a gnarly tree looking out at several wooden buildings in a forested setting backed by some low hills. It is signed in pencil lower right. The edition is 250, but the edition is not written on the sheet which is consistent with the description in the Catalogue Raisonne. Overall, the piece is in very goodcondition. There is slight plate toning that doesn't affect the image. The mounting board is non-archival. Otherwise there are no condition issues including no staining, foxing, tears, or paper loss. The plate size is 9.75 x 11.5 inches and it is well printed on a full sheet that is 13 x 16 inches and mounted with hinge tape. A beautiful example of one of this country's finest etchers.
Luigi Lucioni (1900-1988) was born in Malnate, Italy. He came to the United States in 1911. From that time until his death in 1988, he divided his time between New York and Vermont. In 1916, he began studying at Cooper Union with William Starkweather and in 1920 with Willam Auerbach Levy at the National Academy of Design. After finishing school, Lucioni taught at the Art Students League and lived in Union City, New Jersey.
His paintings of Vermont and his portraits have taken the most important prizes in contemporary American art. In 1924, Lucioni won the Tiffany Foundation Fellowship. At the Carnegie International Exhibition in 1939, he received their Popular Prize. In 1941, he achieved another great success. The visitors at the Corcoran biennial in Washington, D.C., voted Lucioni’s portrait of John LaFarge the best painting in the exhibition.
His works are owned in countless museums, including: the Metropolitan Museum of Art, Whitney Museum of American Art, Seattle Museum of Art, Kansas City Museum of Art, Denver Museum of Art, Fogg Museum, Addison Fallery of American Art, Dayton Art Institute, Pennsylvanian Academy of Fine Arts, High Museum in Atlanta, Nebraska State Capitol, Library of Congress, Dartmouth college, Hamilton College, Victoria and Albert Museum in London, Carnegie Institute and many other public and private collections.
As much as his paintings are valued, Lucioni is one of the great American etchers. His ability to create dramatic contrasts of light and shadow are extraordinary. His two most famous series of etchings are his Birch series and Steeples of Vermont (barns and silos). They are landmarks of American art.
Price: $300
Size: 13 x 16 inches
Plate Size: 9.75 x 11.5 inches
Condition: Very Good
Medium: Etching
Subject: Landscape
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