Modern and Contemporary Art by Stanley W. Hayter, Adolph Gottlieb, and Lynne Drexler Available at Swann Auction Galleries

A 1953 color engraving by British artist Stanley W. Hayter, titled Warriors, leads Swann Auction Galleries’ upcoming Contemporary Art sale. A Surrealist and Abstract Expressionist, Hayter was fascinated by the tensions within human forms. The offered piece has a gestural engraving throughout the surreal composition, along with soft-ground etching with subtle patterns and directions produced by delicate fabrics. By gouging the plate with a scorper, Hayter created three-dimensional white areas without printing. Stencils and rollers were used for applying the color. This artwork features the artist’s signature in pencil along the lower right. Another notable fine artwork is a 1967 color screenprint by Adolph Gottlieb titled Signs. In Gottlieb’s work, gestural painting has a strong presence but is simultaneously calm and contemplative. Despite appearing as Expressionist compositions, the artist’s signature forms often display primitive influences based on circles, bursts, and labyrinths. Signs is dominated by rich yellow saturation. 

Additional artworks of note in the catalog include an oil on canvas painting by American painter Lynne Drexler, titled Bluescape. The artist is best known for her portrayals of landscapes in the style of Abstract Expressionism and Post-Impressionism. Drexler’s paintings are characterized by dense layers of small, repeated brushstrokes in vibrant colors. Bidders can also consider Dorothy Dehner’s engraving, titled River Landscape #4, and Mary Abbott’s color pastel work, titled Patience. Visit Swann Auction Galleries for more information on the upcoming Contemporary Art auction and to register to bid.

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