Georges Braque Les Citrons (Lemons), 1954 is a captivating still life that is rich in color. Still life imagery appears frequently in Braque’s works, often in Cubist renditions. For Braque, everyday objects presented new opportunities to experiment with color, shape and form. This beautifully arranged and elegant still life exhibits some of George Braque’s more graphic sensibilities. In the center of this delicate image are two large and yellow lemons. The lemons are set in front of a subtle background of light brown. Below, green tendrils subtly frame this charming still life. This work is along a more realist rendition of a still life portrait with very subtle cubist and abstract qualities. The shading throughout allows the objects to inhabit a three-dimensional quality while the earthy colors of yellow, brown and green provide a consistent palette for the composition. Overall, the fruits are removed from any definitive context. We cannot say for certain whether they are resting on a table or are part of a bountiful bouquet. This ambiguity is also what gives this image its distinct personality.

Created in 1954, this color lithograph on Arches paper is hand-signed by Georges Braque (Argentueil, Val-d’Oise, 1882 – Paris, 1963) in pencil in the lower right, numbered from the edition of 100 in pencil in the lower left; printed by by Mourlot, Paris.

Catalogue Raisonné & COA:

Georges Braque Lemons (Les Citrons), 1954 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. Vallier, Dora. Braque: The Complete Graphics. New York: Gallery Books, 1982. Listed and illustrated as catalogue raisonné no. 88
2. A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany this color lithograph.

About the Framing:

Framed to museum-grade, conservation standards Georges Braque Lemons (Les Citrons), 1954 is presented in a complementary moulding and finished with silk-wrapped mats and optical grade Plexiglas.