L'échappée II (The Escape II)
Original colored lithograph on paper • Guillaume Azoulay (born 1949)
Style & Movement
Contemporary Linear Art / Neo-Surrealism. Known for his "lineism" where complex overlapping lines create form and movement.
Medium & Technique
Color lithography featuring precise line-work, cross-hatching, and flat orange color fields. The linework creates a sense of kinetic energy and volumetric form through contouring.
Creation Period
Circa 1970s - 1980s
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 22 x 30 inches (image), 32 x 40 inches (framed); Landscape orientation.
Subject Description
Three stylized horses in full gallop or stampede, depicted with flowing manes that morph into abstract line patterns. The background consists of a vibrant orange-to-white gradient and dense, architectural black line work that suggests speed and entrapment/escape. The horse is a central, recurring motif in Azoulay's oeuvre.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Very Good. The colors remain vibrant under the glazing. The paper appears flat with no significant foxing visible from the image, though there is a reflection on the glass preventing a full substrate analysis.
Estimated Market Value
$800 - $1,200 (retail/gallery replacement value)
Auction Estimate
$300 - $600
Provenance History
Numbered at lower left (appears to be 182/300) and hand-signed by the artist at lower right. Likely acquired through a commercial gallery or art dealer specializing in contemporary prints during the late 20th century.
Art Historical Significance
Azoulay is a self-taught artist whose work is held in major collections, including the Louvre (Cabinet des Estampes). This piece is representative of his height of popularity when his technical precision and distinctive 'line' style defined a specific segment of the modern print market.
Notable Features
Hand-signed 'Guillaume Azoulay' in pencil; numbered edition lower left; presence of a high-quality double mat with a linen or silk texture finish typical of 1980s upscale framing.
Condition Issues
Minor potential yellowing of the matting; some slight ripples in the silk-style mat; reflections on glass suggest standard non-UV glass may be in use.
Conservation Recommendations
Upgrade to Museum or Conservation Clear UV-filtering glass to prevent fading of the orange pigment. Ensure the backing is acid-free (archival) to prevent future browning (acid burn) of the lithograph paper.