JASPER JOHNS

Color Numeral Series (ULAE 59-68; G. 116-25)

Details

JASPER JOHNS
Color Numeral Series (ULAE 59-68; G. 116-25)
the complete set of ten signed, dated and numbered lithographs in colors, 1969, on Arches, the colors fresh, all signed in colored pencils, all inscribed 'A.P. IV' (the number of artist's proofs varies from 8 to 12; the edition was 40), with the Gemini G.E.L. blindstamps, with full margins, in excellent condition
all S. 38 x 31 in. (965 x 787 mm.)
the set (10)

Lot Essay

The notion of the number motif in print making had struck Johns as early as 1960 and included placing the numbers on top of each other as in 0 Through 9 (1960-63). Later that decade and with Gemini, Johns produced the consecutive numeric series on individual sheets in black and gray. With the use of the same stones and plates Johns created Color Numeral Series. Undeniably, each individual print in this series of ten is worthy of acclaim, however the effect of Johns's brilliant use of color is secured when the prints are viewed together. The artist's use of color is deliberate -- the primary colors of red, yellow and blue are utilized first in Figure 0. The momentum builds with the addition of violet to Figure 1. By Figure 9 and the completion of the series, Johns has included the secondary colors of violet, orange and green interspersed and independant of the origianl primaries.