Violon et ballons rouges (Violin and Red Balloons)
Original print (etching) on paper, framed • Francine Gravel (Canadian, b. 1944)
Style & Movement
Contemporary Surrealism / Fantastic Realism
Medium & Technique
Hand-colored etching/aquatint; features fine line-work with watercolor or gouache hand-tinting
Creation Period
1976
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 6 x 10 inches (image), landscape format
Subject Description
A dreamlike scene featuring a girl playing a violin, a second figure in long-haired repose, and a central figure holding two prominent red balloons. The composition includes a crescent moon, a barren tree, and a hatched landscape, evoking a poetic, whimsical narrative common in Quebecois printmaking.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Very Good; the paper appears bright with crisp ink impressions and vibrant color in the balloons.
Estimated Market Value
$150 - $300 USD
Auction Estimate
$100 - $250 USD
Provenance History
Likely acquired from a Canadian gallery or print biennial; signed and numbered 9/75 in pencil by the artist.
Art Historical Significance
Francine Gravel is a recognized figure in Quebec's mid-century printmaking tradition, known for her lyrical and surrealist imagery. This work represents her consistent exploration of musical and childhood motifs during the 1970s.
Notable Features
Numbered edition 9/75; features a distinctively fine cross-hatching technique and the artist's characteristic cursive signature.
Condition Issues
Minor potential light-strike or acid migration from the original matting if not archival; slight reflection in the photo suggests glass-to-paper contact.
Conservation Recommendations
Ensure the use of acid-free matting and UV-protective glass to prevent fading of the hand-applied red pigments and yellowing of the paper.