With a world auction record of $2.3 million, achieved at Christie's in Paris in 2012, Jean-Paul Riopelle (1923-2002) is arguably the most successful post-war abstract painter from Canada.

Americans have traditionally favored Jackson Pollock as the most influential Abstract Expressionist of the 20th century. While in Europe Riopelle's stature is of competing importance, acclaimed for his version of 'automatic' action painting. 

His early canvases were densely intricate webs of constructed color created using a palette knife. In his later work Riopelle simultaneously loosened up and became more structured as he experimented with composition and limited palettes. 

He also began to embrace a range of mediums including works on paper and prints.

"Le Couchant" is French for "the sunset", encapsulating the brilliant colors used in this work. Elongated strokes of blood orange and salmon are met with spontaneous breaks of British green and black. The top and bottom of the work feature washes of muted periwinkle and blue that gently frame this otherwise energetic print. 

This is a distinctive paradigm of Riopelle's printmaking. 

Questions about this piece? Contact us or call 1.416.704.1720

Printed in France, 1979 by the legendary Galerie Maeght.

Signed and numbered by artist

Lithograph

From an edition of 90

22”H 25.5”W (work)

Very good condition