Frank Stella’s The Counterpane (From The Waves Series), 1989, is an emblem of Stella’s signature abstract style. This remarkable image recalls the post-painterly abstraction known to have influenced Stella, with added elements that reflect collage and cut-out effects. Each screenprint from The Waves series shares a title with a chapter of Herman Melville’s acclaimed novel Moby Dick. “The Counterpane” refers to chapter four in the novel, in which the protagonist, Ishmael, wakes up in the arms of Queequeg, a tattooed cannibal. The scene recalls memories of Ishmael’s childhood in addition to the absurdity of the situation.

Stella’s print is not a literal interpretation of the scene. Rather, lines, colors, and shapes interlock to create a distinct abstract composition. In the center is a rectangular form. Multicolored lines placed on top of the square create a mosaic tile effect. Placed above this geometric form are various shapes that form a collage effect. In the background, varying shades of black are embellished with white lines, which seem to dance around the central shape. The ever shifting forms and colors create a distinctly “Stella” image.

Created in 1989, this color screen print, lithograph, and linocut with hand-coloring, marbling, and collage on T.H. Saunders and Somerset paper is hand-signed by Frank Stella (Massachusetts, 1936 - ) in pencil in the lower right of the image and numbered from the edition of 60 in pencil in the lower left of the image. Published by Waddington Graphics, London.

Catalogue Raisonné & COA:
Frank Stella The Counterpane (from The Waves Series), 1989, is fully documented and referenced in the below catalogue raisonnès and texts (copies will be enclosed as added documentation with the invoices that will accompany the sale of the work).

1. Axsom, Richard H. Frank Stella Prints: A Catalogue Raisonné. New York: Jordan Schnitzer Family Foundation, 2016. Listed and illustrated as catalogue raisonné no. 190.
2. A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany this artwork.

About the Framing:
Framed to museum-grade conservation standards, Frank Stella: The Counterpane (From The Waves Series), 1989, is presented in complementary moulding and optical-grade Plexiglas.