L'oiseau blanc (The White Bird)
Original limited edition print on heavy handmade paper • Simon et Henri Jean
Style & Movement
Contemporary Surrealism / Naïve Art. The style is characterized by lyrical abstraction and whimsical, dream-like imagery often associated with late 20th-century French printmaking.
Medium & Technique
Etching and debossing (blind embossing/gaufrage). The piece features a central black-inked copperplate etching surrounded by colorless embossed motifs (stars, birds, geometric shapes) pressed into the paper.
Creation Period
Late 20th Century (circa 1970-1990)
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 50 x 40 cm (Standard medium format); Portrait orientation on deckle-edged paper.
Subject Description
A surreal landscape featuring a central etched window showing a nude couple standing atop a large head or hill with eyes. They are flanked by a tree and a landscape, under a celestial sky with stars and a crescent moon. An 'oiseau blanc' (white bird) is represented both in the etching and as a large embossed figure soaring across the top third of the paper.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Excellent. The paper appears bright with no visible foxing, yellowing, or structural damage. The deckle edges are intact and the embossing remains crisp.
Estimated Market Value
$300 - $600 USD
Auction Estimate
$200 - $450 USD
Provenance History
Numbered 20/99 in lower left, indicating a private acquisition from a limited edition series. Typical of works sold in European galleries or art fairs during the 1980s.
Art Historical Significance
Represents the collaboration of Simon and Henri Jean, known for their distinct 'gaufrage' (embossing) technique. Their work is part of a tradition of poetic surrealism that emphasizes the tactile quality of paper as much as the inked image.
Notable Features
Includes the hand-written title 'L'oiseau blanc', a signature 'Simon et Henri Jean', and the edition number '20/99'. The high-relief blind embossing is the most distinctive technical feature, creating a 3D effect without ink.
Condition Issues
No significant issues visible; the print is well-preserved. Minor potential for hidden acid-burn if backing materials are not archival, but none is visible on the face.
Conservation Recommendations
Ensure the work is mounted using acid-free, archival materials and T-hinges to allow the heavy paper to 'breathe'. Use UV-protective glass to prevent ink fading and paper embrittlement.