L'Arlequin, from Sourvenirs de Portraits d'Artistes, by Maurice Brianchon, 1972

Artist: Maurice Brianchon

Medium: Original Lithograph, signed in pencil, artist proof, 1972

Dimensions: 15.5 x 12.5 in, 39.4 x 31.8 cm

This small and delightful original lithograph by French artist Maurice Brianchon (1899-1979) was created exclusively to illustrate Fernand Mourlot's book about his relationship with the artists that worked at the studio. 

Brianchon was strongly influenced by artists such as Pierre Bonnard and Edouard Vuillard.  By the time he came of age in the early 1920s the art scene had changed. Brianchon stylistically stayed attached to art that could be called neo-classical. 

Brianchon created a small number of beautiful color lithographs, mostly of French society life such as the theatre and beach scenes. His prints are scarce and rare as his production was limited.  Brianchon notoriety came later as the United States and Japan appreciated his classical style reminiscent of the late 19th century painters.