Rare Signed 1973 Dorothea Tanning Surrealist Etching En Chair Et En Or, Limited Edition Abstract Nude Modernist Wall Art
Rare Signed 1973 Dorothea Tanning Surrealist Etching En Chair Et En Or, Limited Edition Abstract Nude Modernist Wall Art
Rare Signed 1973 Dorothea Tanning Surrealist Etching En Chair Et En Or, Limited Edition Abstract Nude Modernist Wall Art
Capture a significant piece of 20th-century art history with this rare original color etching with aquatint by the legendary Dorothea Tanning (1910–2012). Titled En Chair Et En Or (In Flesh and Gold) and published in 1973, this work is a quintessential example of Tanning late-career Surrealist mastery. The composition features fluid, organic nude forms rendered in a vibrant and saturated palette of cerulean blue, golden yellow, and deep crimson. As an original limited-edition piece numbered 6/100, this work is pencil-signed by the artist in the lower margin, making it an exceptional investment for serious collectors of Modernist prints and Surrealist fine art.
About the Artist: Dorothea Tanning
Dorothea Tanning was a titan of the Surrealist movement and is widely regarded as one of the most influential female artists of the 20th century. Her work is celebrated for its ability to bridge the gap between the subconscious dream state and physical reality. Tanning art is held in the permanent collections of the world most prestigious institutions, including the Metropolitan Museum of Art (The Met) in New York, the Tate Modern in London, and the National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C. Owning a signed Tanning etching provides a direct connection to the same avant-garde lineage that defined the Parisian and American art scenes of the mid-century.
Specifications and Dimensions
Artist: Dorothea Tanning (American, 1910-2012).
Title: Part of the En Chair Et En Or series.
Year: 1973.
Medium: Original color etching with aquatint on paper.
Edition: Limited Edition 6/100, pencil signed and numbered.
Sight Size: 13.5 inches H x 11 inches W.
Frame Size: 20.5 inches H x 18.25 inches W x 1.5 inches Depth.
Condition Report
The artwork itself is in excellent vintage condition with vibrant colors and crisp margins. It is professionally presented, matted, and glazed. The custom black frame shows minor age-appropriate chipping as seen in the detail photos, which is consistent with its 50-year history. The frame remains structurally sound and gallery-ready for immediate display.
Designer Notes and Styling
From a design perspective, this etching is a powerful conversation piece. The abstracted figurative forms and vibrant color pops allow it to function as a focal point in a variety of high-end interiors. In a Mid-Century Modern or Contemporary setting, the organic lines provide a necessary softness against geometric furniture. For a Maximalist or Grandmillennial gallery wall, the saturated hues and prestigious signature add a layer of intellectual luxury. We recommend placing this work in an entryway, library, or bedroom where the intricate textures of the aquatint can be appreciated up close.
Styling and Compatibility
This authentic Dorothea Tanning print beautifully complements Modernist interiors, Surrealist-themed collections, and luxury office decor. It is an ideal milestone gift for art collectors, academics, or those seeking a museum-quality anchor for their home gallery. Part of a curated collection of fine art and 20th-century treasures from Cherished Memories.
En Chair Et En Or represents the height of Dorothea Tanning graphic output during a period of significant market resurgence for her work. Whether anchoring a private study or serving as a prized piece in a 20th-century art collection, this signed original invites the bold spirit of the Surrealist avant-garde into your home. Secure this authenticated investment in fine art today and let it become one of your own Cherished Memories.
