Sotheby’s Paris is pleased to present a truly exceptional selection of prints from the collection of master printmaker Aldo Crommelynck. Recognised as the pre-eminent intaglio printer of the 20th century, Crommelynck was instrumental in shaping the printed oeuvres of leading modern and contemporary artists. The works on offer will shed light on his fruitful collaborations with French, American and British artists such as Georges Braque, Pablo Picasso, Jasper Johns and David Hockney.

 

Open for bidding online from 1-7 July, this auction features rarely seen etchings and important suites, such as Picasso’s monumental 156 Series, and a preparatory drawing by Jean-Michel Basquiat.

Jean-Michel Basquiat 1960 - 1988
Living sperm
colour pencils on paper calque, with aquatint printed in colours on Rives wove paper, print by Aldo Crommelynck, New York
drawing : 20 x 13 cm; 7¾ x 5¼ in.
plate: 23,8 x 17,7 cm; 9¼ x 7 in.
sheet: 38 x 28 cm; 15 x 11 in.
Executed circa 1986.