Original signed and numbered lithograph, with an engraved medaillion.

Printed on 120 copies.

"Silence", beyond its aesthetic qualities, may require a few words of introduction.

Indeed, the 70' mark the continued maturation of the  artistic projects of Pierre Alechinsky. In 1975, he has an exhibition at the Musée d'Art Moderne de la Ville de Paris and in 1977, the year when he achieved this engraving, he held a large "Retrospective 1946-1977" at Pittsburgh (USA) Museum of Art, Carnegie Institute. The same year, he also participates in the 6th Documenta in Kassel (Germany).

In this context, "Silence" may be a search for tranquility, and even the mouth of the character makes his vow of "S" ilence. A simple design, with a line that is the hallmark of the artist, both strong and fragile.

More personally, I see the face of the artist himself and his gift of double sight. This striking repetition is often present in the work of Pierre Alechinsky. The metaphoric source can be found in the playground, where children may call "four eyes" the one who is wearing glasses. It may also lie on some philosophical and historical references. Cangie, the legendary inventor of Chinese calligraphy and painting is always represented with 2 pairs of eyes, to present his donation of double sight.

Thus, one should always have a work of art around, for the aesthetics, but also for the different viewpoint that it embodies. This lithograph by Pierre Alechinsky plays its full role : soft, evocative... and finally discreetly powerful.