Lot 47 , Graham Sutherland OM, (1903-1980), 'Bees'

§ Graham Sutherland OM ((1903-1980))
'Bees'
the complete set of twelve aquatints,
1976-1977,
number 15 from the standard edition of 66,
each signed and numbered in pencil by the artist and embossed with his dry stamp,
etching and aquatints, on wove paper, with title, text by Bernhard Baer, justification and twelve plates,
each with their own paper sleeve with printed number and information,
printed by 2RC Editrice, Rome,
jointly published by 2RC Editrice and Marlborough Fine Art Ltd.,
each sheet 56.5cm x 45cm with full margins,
housed in a cream portfolio with gilt lettering and bee decorations, with accompanying catalogue booklet

Literature: Tassi 179-92

The Bees Suite is an extraordinary series of aquatints that were skilfully conceived and meticulously produced between October 1976 and May 1977. These artworks were printed at the renowned 2RC Studio in Rome, where they were created under the careful supervision of the talented Eleonora and Valter Rossi. The series was subsequently published by both Marlborough Fine Art Ltd and 2RC Editrice, further contributing to its significance in the art world.

£8,000-12,000

List of plates present as of 17th February

No. 2: 'Hatching I'
No. 6: 'Figure of eight dance'
No. 8: 'Bee and Flower'
No. 9: 'Wild Nest'
No. 12: 'Bee Keeper'
No. 14: 'Fight between workers and drones'

List of plates believed framed

No. 1: 'Metamorphosis'
No. 3: 'Hatching II'
No. 4: 'Nuptial Flight'
No. 5: 'The Court'
No. 10: 'Primitive Hive I'
No. 13: 'Expulsion and killing of an enemy'

List of plates omitted from this portfolio

No. 7: 'Round Dance'
No. 11: 'Primitive Hive II'