A charcoal and chalk on paper surreal composition study. Signed and attr. Yves Tanguy (French, 1900-1955, Paris, France). Accompanied by certificate. A glimpse of Giorgio de Chirico’s painting Child’s Skull (1914) through a gallery window so profoundly affected Yves Tanguy, it prompted him to pick up a paintbrush. Self-taught, he befriended and drew inspiration from André Breton (and later Alexander Calder), joining the Surrealist movement and consistently representing one of the purest strains of the style. Initially, his love of nature, especially the sea, led Tanguy to paint hazy sea creatures and aquatic vegetation, yet he is best known for his sparse, abstract landscapes populated by biomorphic shapes and painted in somber hues. Though often horizonless, some of his landscapes hint at the rocky coast of his native Brittany, with its Neolithic structures, and at geological formations encountered on trips to Tunisia and the American Southwest. Solemnity permeates his work, in contrast to the playfulness expressed by many of his fellow Surrealists. PROVENANCE: Private American collection

All authorship of items in this catalog are described according to the following terms:

By [Artist Name] : In our opinion, the work is by the artist.

Attributed to [Artist Name] : In our opinion, the work may be ascribed to the artist on the basis of style, but there may be some question as to actual authorship.

In the manner of [Artist Name] : In our opinion, the work was executed by an unknown hand, but was designed deliberately to emulate the style of the artist.

After [Artist Name] : In our opinion, the work was executed by an unknown hand, but is a deliberate copy of a known work by the artist.

Circle of [Artist Name] : In our opinion, a work of the period of the artist showing his influence, closely associated with the artist but not necessarily his pupil.

Follower of [Artist Name]: In our opinion, a work by a pupil or a follower of the artist (not necessarily a pupil).

American, 19th century : In our opinion, this work was executed by an unknown hand, and can only be identified by origin (i.e., region, period).

Bears signature : In our opinion, the signature on the artwork may be spurious.
Apocryphal : Of doubtful authenticity.