Henri Rousseau - ‘Le Guerre’ - original vintage lithograph - c1930

This is a beautiful, very rare original lithograph (not any offset copy or other reproduction) of 'Le Guerre' (The war), also known as 'The horseman of discord' by Henri Rousseau. The lithograph was published in 1930 by Arts et Métiers Graphiques, Paris, after the original painting (painted in 1895). It is extremely rare and is in excellent condition, with very minor wear. The lithograph has never been framed - the deep, rich red colour is lovely - a stunning piece (please not that the red is a little deeper, not so bright, in reality). There is a centre fold, as published. Please note that a lithograph is not just a cheap mass produced print. The process is much more complicated and below we have written an explanation of the lithographic process.

This beautiful work of art comes from the private collection of Stephen Baring. The collection comprises two inherited collections plus twenty five years of personal collecting.

LITHOGRAPHY
A lithograph is not just a cheap mass produced print. The process is far more complicated and therefore valuable. Lithography is a method for printing using a stone (lithographic limestone) or a metal plate with a completely smooth surface. Invented in 1796 by German author and actor Alois Senefelder as a method of publishing theatrical works, lithography can be used to print text or artwork onto paper or other suitable material.

Lithography originally used an image drawn (etched) into a coating of wax or an oily substance applied to a plate of lithographic stone as the medium to transfer ink to a blank paper sheet, and so produce a printed page. In modern lithography, the image is made of a polymer coating applied to a flexible aluminum plate. To print an image lithographically, the flat surface of the stone plate is roughened slightly etched and divided into hydrophilic regions that accept a film of water, and thereby repel the greasy ink; and hydrophobic regions that repel water and accept ink because the surface tension is greater on the greasy image area, which remains dry. The image can be printed directly from the plate (the orientation of the image is reversed), or it can be offset, by transferring the image onto a flexible sheet (rubber) for printing and publication.

A beautiful and valuable vintage lithograph that will be much admired framed in your home or office. Will provide an excellent financial investment as well as a possession to enjoy. You are welcome to return for a full refund if you are not entirely happy. Also, please feel free to view at our central London showroom.