Frank Stella The Candles, 1992 is a stunning work from the time of the artist’s various series based on Herman Melville’s Moby Dick. Though it is not included in any of these three series, it does take its name from the 119^th chapter of the book. The imagery in this work refers to balls of lightning that illuminate the mast of Captain Ahab’s ship during a thunderstorm. In the center of the composition, the artist has illustrated an abstract form that looks similar to a ship’s massive sail, and from this extend other abstract forms that represent the rest of The Pequod. Surrounding the main subject matter is a medley of cool blues and bright orange and pink tones that act as the sea and sky. The collage and the overall image that its pieces create showcase the artist’s mastery over numerous printing techniques and creativity.

Created in 1992, this lithograph, screenprint and collage on white, Saunders mould-made paper is hand-signed by Frank Stella (Massachusetts, 1936 - ) in pencil in the lower center image and numbered from the edition of 65 in pencil in the lower center image.

Catalogue Raisonné & COA:

Frank Stella The Candles, 1992 is fully documented and referenced in the below catalogue raisonnés and texts (copies will be enclosed as added documentation with the invoices that will accompany the sale of the work).

1. Axsom, Richard. The Prints of Frank Stella: A Catalogue Raisonné 1967–1984. Hudson Hills Press: New York, 1983. Listed and illustrated as catalogue raisonné no. 211 on pg. 314.
2. A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany this artwork.

About the Framing:

Framed to museum-grade, conservation standards, Frank Stella The Candles, 1992 is presented in a complementary moulding and finished with silk-wrapped mats and optical grade Plexiglas.