Henri Matisse (after) Framed Lithograph

The book, ‘Poemes de Charles d’Orleans’, published in 1950 by Tériade Éditeur, Paris, is widely considered to be one of the most spontaneous and joyous of all of Matisse’s printed works. The poems of the fifteenth-century author were written out in the artist’s hand and framed by his own borders, in the manner of an illuminated manuscript.

Translating as ‘Study for Poems of Charles d’Orléans’, and produced some 7 or 8 years before the publication of the book, this gorgeous lithograph depicts a woman sitting, hands folded in her lap.

What is an after lithograph?

An after lithograph is a copy of an existing painting done after the original painting’s creation (in this case, Matisse).

While an original piece of artwork by a famous artist can often be highly expensive, a lithograph print is more affordable but still carries a tag of exclusivity, quality and value as there is almost certainly not going to be many copies. It’s not something that is mass produced. Potentially, a lithograph print will have a limited quantity, perhaps be numbered and even signed by the artist. It’s possible that the artist him or herself actually printed the lithograph in some cases.

Different thing is an “original lithograph” : in this case it will be an original art concept delivered for the first time via lithography. It is not a reproduction and potentially an original lithograph is going to demand higher prices.