L'echelle III (The Scale III or The Ladder III)
Original limited edition print on paper, likely a lithograph or serigraph. • Guillaume Azoulay (born 1949, Casablanca).
Style & Movement
Contemporary Graphic Realism / Linearism. Azoulay is known for his unique style of creating complex forms through interlocking, fluctuating lines without the use of shading or traditional contouring.
Medium & Technique
Lithography or serigraph (silk-screen) technique featuring heavy graphic line work and color gradient application. The work employs a distinct 'moir ' or topographical line effect characteristic of the artist.
Creation Period
Circa late 1970s to early 1980s.
Dimensions & Format
Landscape format. Estimated image size approximately 20 x 26 inches; including frame and matting, approximately 30 x 36 inches.
Subject Description
Three stylized horses in motion, rendered through dense networks of concentric and intersecting lines. The horses appear to emerge from a background of sharp, radiating lines against a dual-tone field of gray and orange. The imagery conveys energy, speed, and mathematical precision.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Good to Very Good. The print appears to be well-preserved within its frame, though the reflection makes it difficult to assess minor paper oxidation. The matting shows signs of aging consistent with late 20th-century framing.
Estimated Market Value
$800 - $1,500 USD (Retail Appraisal).
Auction Estimate
$300 - $600 USD.
Provenance History
Likely acquired from a commercial gallery specializing in contemporary graphics during the 1980s. Pencil signature (lower right) and edition numbering (lower left) are visible, indicating it as part of a formal limited edition run.
Art Historical Significance
Azoulay is a highly successful self-taught artist whose work is included in the permanent collection of the Louvre. This piece represents his fascination with horses, a recurring motif in his career that highlights his mastery of line to suggest volume and movement.
Notable Features
Features the artist's signature in pencil (lower right) and an edition number (likely 'PP' for Printer's Proof or a numbered edition like '/300'). The elaborate custom framing with a fabric-wrapped mat is typical of 'high-end' gallery presentation from the period.
Condition Issues
Potential light fading to the orange pigment depending on UV exposure. The silk/fabric matting may have accumulated dust or acidity over time, which can eventually affect the paper edges.
Conservation Recommendations
It is recommended to inspect for acid-free mounting. Consider replacing the current glass with UV-protective museum glass to prevent further pigment degradation. Avoid placing the work in direct sunlight.