Tête au bicorne (Head with Bicorne)
Print - Intaglio on paper • Antoni Clavé
Style & Movement
Modernism / Post-War European Expressionism with influences from Cubism and Surrealism.
Medium & Technique
Etching and aquatint on paper. The work features heavy plate tone, fine line etching, and stippled textures with cross-hatching to create volume.
Creation Period
Circa 1946-1947
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 32 x 25 cm (Plate size); Portrait orientation.
Subject Description
A grotesque, abstracted figure wearing a bicorne hat is depicted in a seated or perched position. The figure utilizes a mix of geometric patterns (stripes, dots) and organic forms. It contains elements of the 'commedia dell'arte' aesthetic, particularly the Harlequin or Jester motif prevalent in Catalan modernism. The composition is dense with symbolic mechanical and organic appendages.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Good. The paper exhibits some overall toning and minor foxing typical of mid-20th-century paper stocks.
Estimated Market Value
$1,500 - $3,000 USD
Auction Estimate
$1,200 - $2,500 USD
Provenance History
Likely part of a limited edition series published in Paris. Ownership history probably includes private European or North American collections specializing in the School of Paris.
Art Historical Significance
Representing the post-WWII evolution of the Spanish School in Paris, Antoni Clavé's work bridges the gap between Picasso's cubism and the darker, more textured aesthetic of Art Informel. This period is crucial as Clavé shifted from theatrical design into major printmaking and painting.
Notable Features
Distinctive use of textures within the etching to simulate different materials (wood grain, fabric). The sharp, aggressive lines of the 'bicorne' hat contrast with the whimsical, harlequin-style patterns.
Condition Issues
Visible surface reflections suggest it is behind glass. There is evidence of light 'plate tone' which is intentional, but also some acidity in the margins and slight waviness in the paper (cockling).
Conservation Recommendations
Ensure the work is mounted using acid-free, archival materials and UV-protected glazing. Deacidification of the paper by a professional conservator may be recommended if foxing progresses.