Western Wall, Jerusalem. Andre Hambourg Signed Original Artist's Proof 1970s

Description: A rare original artist's proof print after listed French artist Andre Hambourg (1909-1999). It is a view of the Western Wall in Jerusalem (sometimes called the Wailing Wall). Many figures standing before the wall and the sunlight glinting on the Golden Dome of the Rock and the silvery blue dome of the Masjid Al Aqsa Mosque to the right. Signed in pencil by the artist lower left 'A hambourg' and also inscribed 'epreuve d'artiste' (artist's proof) lower right. I have not been able to find another example of this print so it is possible that it was no further edition was created. Printed on ivory coloured Arches wove paper, the Arches watermark showing bottom centre. Estimated to date to around 1970. In very good condition, very slight toning at the edges and one faint toning mark just above the word 'Arches' - see fifth photograph above. Note it would not be difficult to mount the print showing the signature and inscription but covering this small mark as it is a little bit lower. The sheet measures 35 x 71cm, the image only is 19 x 59.5cm. Will be sent flat as the paper is too thick to roll safely. £7 for postage in mainland UK, £22 for mainland Europe postage and £38 for USA. Andre Hambourg is a very known 20th century French painter, lithographer, engraver, illustrator and designer. His biography takes up two full pages in the Benezit Dictionary of Artists so here is a condensed version.He was born in Paris and studied at the Ecole de Arts Decoratif, then at the Ecole de Beux- Arts before leaving to work in Montparnasse. His first solo exhibition was in Paris in 1928 and he continued to regularly take part in the Paris Salons. He lived in Algeria and Morocco for ten years from 1933 which included a period serving in the French military and then became a reporter and draughtsman for the newspaper of the French army. He took part in both the Liberation of France and the German Campaign and was awarded the Croix de Guerre.From 1946 onwards Hambourg returned to full time work as an artist, painting landscapes, portraits and still lifes. From 1952 he was the official painter of the French Navy and through the 60s and 70s he undertook a huge number of voyages during which he created a huge number of sketches and drawings that he subsequently painted. This included Venice, the Soviet Union, Israel, the UK, the USA, Mexico, and the Ivory Coast. As well as painting he was also an engraver, lithographer and an illustrator of many books. He produced mural designs for ships and in 1972 a mural design for the European Court of Justice. As well as exhibiting in France he did so extensively in the USA during the 70s and 80s. Many awards were bestowed upon him including Chevalier of the Legion d'Honneur (1951), Commandeur des Arts et Letters (1986) and Grand Officer de l'Ordre National du Merite (1996). A posthumous exhibition of his work was held at the Musee Olympic in Lausanne, Switzerland in 2001.There are hundreds of auction records for his work (more than 500 for his prints) with prices for lithographs up to £700. As mentioned previously I cannot find any other example of this artist' proof lithograph which makes it of particular collector's interest.About me - I am a very experienced retailer and am qualified in Art History. I have been selling on eBay for many years and am now finding, researching and selling paintings and antique prints full time. There are hundreds of paintings and prints available in my ebay shop Jenny Tudor Pictures where my aim is to offer a selection of interesting, well researched works with prices starting at just a few pounds and to increase the appreciation of engravings! Also, happy to take on commissions if there are specific artists or types of work you would like found for you. I am very proud of my 100% positive feedback and will do all I can to ensure that you are pleased with your purchase. New items are added regularly so please do keep looking. Thank you

Price: 315 GBP

Location: West Molesey

End Time: 2024-12-07T15:34:33.000Z

Shipping Cost: 48.18 GBP