L'Ubuesque / The Ubu-esque Figure
Print, specifically an etching and aquatint on paper • Manner of or School of Joan Miró or André Masson; heavily influenced by Surrealist printmakers like those at Atelier 17.
Style & Movement
Surrealism / Biomorphic Abstraction. The work exhibits the 'automatism' and playful grotesquery associated with the mid-20th century Parisian avant-garde.
Medium & Technique
Intaglio printing using etching, engraving, and aquatint. The plate shows fine line work, cross-hatching, stippling, and tonal plate tone (plate wipe) to create depth and texture.
Creation Period
Circa 1940-1960
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 30 x 22 cm (image); Portrait format with plate mark visible.
Subject Description
A complex, hybrid anthropomorphic figure featuring a duck-like beak, a serrated mouth, and a breast, adorned with a bicorne hat and striped leggings. The composition incorporates architectural elements, wooden grain patterns, and mechanical legs, potentially referencing Alfred Jarry's 'Ubu Roi' character archetype.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Good to Very Good. The print shows even plate tone and crisp lines, though there is slight evidence of age-toning to the paper and reflections from glazing indicating it is framed.
Estimated Market Value
$800 - $1,800 USD (depending on specific artist attribution and edition number)
Auction Estimate
$600 - $1,200 USD
Provenance History
Unknown; likely originating from a mid-century European or American private collection focused on modern prints.
Art Historical Significance
Representational of the post-war Surrealist movement's obsession with the 'Monstrous.' It demonstrates the technical innovations in intaglio popularized by Stanley William Hayter at Atelier 17, blending figuration with abstract geometry.
Notable Features
Distinctive use of faux-bois (wood grain) texture within the etching; the 'all-seeing eye' motif frequently found in Surrealist iconography; strong plate tone retained to give a moody, atmospheric background.
Condition Issues
Minor surface scuffs on the glass; potential slight yellowing (acidification) of the paper substrate at the edges; occasional faint foxing spots.
Conservation Recommendations
Ensure the work is mounted using acid-free, museum-quality matting and UV-protective glazing. Maintain a stable environment with 50% humidity to prevent paper cockling.