Francesc Artigau — Verano (1981) — Institutional edition (H/C) — Etching

Etching by Francesc Artigau, signed and dated “artigau 81” and marked H/C. Verano combines a fruit still life, a female figure and a coastal landscape.

Still life and coast

A cut watermelon and rounded fruit occupy the foreground. Behind them, a woman appears beside the vertical divisions of the space, with figures on the beach, a parasol and a rock formation facing the sea.

Densities of line

Cross-hatching describes the volume of the fruit and the hair. These dark areas contrast with the lighter lines of the bathers, water and horizon. The pale paper remains visible between the different groups of strokes.

Technical details

• Artist: Francesc Artigau (Barcelona, 1940).
• Title / subject: Verano (fruit still life and coastal landscape).
• Date: 1981 (contemporary art / New Figuration).
• Technique and support: Original etching on heavyweight printmaking paper.
• Edition: Copy catalogued as H/C (Hors Commerce / not for commercial distribution). The folder states an edition of 300 numbered and signed copies; this sheet bears the annotation H/C.
• Dimensions: Paper: 29 × 33 cm | Platemark: 21 × 27 cm.
• Signature and inscriptions: Hand-signed and dated “artigau 81” at the lower right. H/C in pencil at the lower left.
• Provenance: Private collection / Banca Mas Sardà institutional edition.
• Condition: Excellent. Intact paper.
• Documentation: Banca Mas Sardà institutional folder, with the title corrected by hand to “Verano”.

The Taller Note

Artigau builds light through black lines. Dense ink draws attention to the still life, while the lighter strokes in the background open up the space of the scene.