This original lithograph by renowned artist, teacher and author Frasconi (1919-2012), is an advertisement for Condon Riley, a New York City public relations firm. It was created for and printed in IMPROVISATIONS, a 2000-copy limited edition portfolio published in conjunction with the Artists Equity Masquerade Ball held in 1951 at the Astor Hotel in NYC. The bound portfolio consisted of advertisements for local New York City businesses supporting Artists Equity, and each advertisement was an original lithograph designed by the artist directly on the litho plate, thus making the book a unique collection of original art works.

 

This sheet, printed on rose colored paper and signed along lower left edge, measures 9” by 12” and is in very good condition with no noticeable signs of wear. It has been removed from the portfolio’s plastic comb binding and retains the left margin edge of the sheet with the slots that held it intact; the slots do not impact the composition and could easily be trimmed for framing or concealed within a mat. (Or left as part of the original picture, as intended.)

NOTE: Front cover of Improvisations is shown for information purposes only, it is not part of the auction