Artwork Description:
Frame is 12 x 16 inches. This work, which incorporates the genres of printmaking and painting, is a cinematic study from French filmmaking. I combined an artist proof of one of my etchings and enhanced it printed with gouache, watercolour, and Japanese gold Sumi ink. The etching was created with the studio techniques of intaglio, aquatint, and drypointI used a Parisian etching ink--Charbonnel brand--and RivesBFK white paper from France. The image size is nine inches high by six inches wide, or 22.5 cm x 15 cm, and the print size is fifteen inches high by eleven inches wide. Or 31.8 cm x 37.5 cm. I hand printed and published the editions at The Center for Works on Paper in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, within the Fleisher Art School Open Studio In Printmaking.
NARRATION
The scene in this painted etching was adapted from a publicity photo from Jean Cocteaus final film entitled, Le Testament d Orphée. The original title for Cocteaus 1960 film was, Le Testament d Orphée, Ou Ne Me Demandez Pas Pourquoi. Cocteau both directed and starred in this film, which is the last movie in his ORPHIC TRILOGY. The first film in the trilogy was created in 1930 and titled, “THE BLOOD OF A POET. The second film, created twenty years later in 1950, was titled, ORPHÉE. The cast for the 1960 film includes Charles Aznavour, Lucia Bose, Maria Casares, Nicole Courcel, Luis Miguel Dominguin, Daniel Gelin, Jean-Pierre Leaud, Serge Lifar, Jean Marais, François Périer, and Françoise Sagan. Cameo appearances were also made by Pablo Picasso and Yul Brynner. The work is shot using black and white film, yet has a few seconds of color edited into it. Cocteaus Le testament d Orphee involves the metaphysical elements of time travel, dream consciousness, and the nexus between death and rebirth. Other themes include Gods and Goddesses, the law, and visionary insights into life by every poet.
Artwork Keywords:
Orpheus, French Cinema, Jean Cocteau, Dream, Clouds, Colorful, Original Painting