R. C. Gorman Stone Lithograph “Picuris” [SOLD]

Stone lithographs are considered original works of art.  They technically are not prints although they are printed from a granite stone, one copy at a time.  Since the original work of art is drawn on the stone and then destroyed after the edition is printed, then the only originals remaining are the copies pulled from the stone.

“Picuris” was executed in late 1972 at Tamarind Institute of the University of New Mexico in Albuquerque, recognized at the finest house of lithography in the United States.  The printer of the edition was Harry Westlund and the publisher was Art Consultants.  It was signed by R. C. Gorman in 1973.

The edition size is as follows:

1 BAT (Bon a Tirer) which is the print selected by the artist to be the standard to which all the other prints are compared.

60 Artist’s Edition, which are the copies that are numbered in Arabic numbers and are the ones put out for sale.

6 Artist’s Proofs which represents 10 percent of the numbered printed as the Artist’s Edition.  These are presented to the artist to sell or gift at his discretion.

2 Record Impressions which are the official record of publishing and they are permanently kept on file at the place of printing.

2 Trial Proofs which are early impressions prepared for the artist to approve before the production commences.  One of these will become the Bon a Tirer.

1 Cancellation Proof which is printed to show that the drawing on the stone has been rendered unprintable, proof that no more copies can be made.

This lithograph is copy #38 of the 60 copies in the edition.  The work Shop chop is in the lower left of the paper and the printer’s chop in the lower right.  The paper on which it was printed is Arches Cover Buff.  It has been framed in a manner to show the entire paper so that none of it is covered by mats.  It is floated with hinges to the backing. 

Condition: original condition

Provenance: from the collection of a resident of Santa Fe

Recommended Reading: R. C. Gorman the Graphic Works by Ben Q. Adams and Richard Newlin