Cascades - Orange C
Print on paper, likely a screenprint or lithograph • Richard J. Anuszkiewicz (attributed), a key figure in the Op Art movement.
Style & Movement
Op Art (Optical Art), Geometric Abstraction, and Hard-edge Painting.
Medium & Technique
Color screenprint (serigraph) or lithograph featuring a grid of red/orange squares over a metallic gold or bronze ground. The technique involves precise registration to create an optical vibratory effect via the rotation of geometric units.
Creation Period
Late 20th Century, likely 1970–1985 based on the style of Kinetic and Op Art.
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 20 x 24 inches for the image size, excluding the margin. It is presented in a landscape format.
Subject Description
A non-objective composition consisting of a dense grid of red-orange squares. The squares vary in their orientation (rotation), which creates undulating, wave-like 'cascades' and the illusion of movement and depth across the two-dimensional surface.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Very Good. The paper appears bright and the ink saturation is high. There is minor reflection on the glass, but no visible foxing, staining, or fading in the provided photograph.
Estimated Market Value
$1,500 - $3,000 USD
Auction Estimate
$1,200 - $2,500 USD
Provenance History
The print is marked 'Printer's Proof' in pencil at the bottom center. This indicates it was a copy reserved for the master printer or the print studio. Signed and titled in pencil by the artist.
Art Historical Significance
Anuszkiewicz was a student of Josef Albers and a pioneer of the Op Art movement in the United States. His work explores the relationship between color and light, specifically how color interactions can stimulate the human retina and create the sensation of light or vibration.
Notable Features
The inscription 'Printer's Proof' makes it a more rare acquisition than a standard numbered edition. The signature and title 'Cascades - Orange C' are clearly legible in pencil on the white border.
Condition Issues
Potential micro-scratches on the metallic ink (typical for this medium) and slight rippling of the paper under the matting (waving), though not immediately visible from the angle.
Conservation Recommendations
Ensure it is framed behind UV-protective glass and uses acid-free, archival-quality matting. Keep away from direct sunlight to prevent the fading of the fugitive red pigments.