Peter Alexander - Golden Arches, 1972 (B.A.T. Impression)
Peter Alexander - Golden Arches, 1972 (B.A.T. Impression)
Peter Alexander (American, 1939-2020)
Golden Arches, 1972
Five-color lithograph printed in three runs from three aluminum plates on Kromekote paper
Image/Sheet: 11 1/8 x 13 1/8 inches
Bon a Tirer (B.A.T.) impression, aside from Cirrus proofs, Artist's Proofs, Printer's Proofs, and the numbered edition of 79
Published by Cirrus Editions, Los Angeles
Signed, titled, and inscribed B.A.T. in pencil, verso
Cirrus Editions blindstamp lower left; pencil work number 78C-PA72, verso
About the Work
Golden Arches transforms an everyday American visual motif into an ethereal meditation on light, atmosphere, memory, and perception. Rendered in luminous layers of pink, orange, gold, and radiant color fields, the image appears suspended between landscape, television imagery, and pure abstraction. Printed on Kromekote paper chosen specifically to enhance the work's glowing, almost electronic visual effect, the lithograph possesses a remarkable sense of depth and illumination that echoes Alexander's celebrated cast-resin sculptures.
About the B.A.T. Impression
In traditional printmaking practice, the Bon a Tirer (B.A.T.) serves as the master approval print retained by the printer and artist as the definitive example against which the edition is judged. Such impressions are considerably scarcer than standard numbered editions and are among the most desirable impressions associated with any print.
Provenance
From the personal collection of Jean Milant, founder of Cirrus Editions, Los Angeles - one of the most influential figures in American contemporary printmaking.
Literature
Bruce Davis, Made in L.A.: The Prints of Cirrus Editions, Los Angeles County Museum of Art, 1995, p. 161, another example illustrated.
Condition
Overall excellent appearance. Full sheet, unframed. A few minor surface hairline scuffs, primarily within the black area near the left sheet edge, visible mainly under raking light. Presents beautifully.
About the Artist
Peter Alexander (1939-2020) was a founding figure of the California Light and Space movement. His work is held in the collections of MoMA, the Whitney Museum of American Art, LACMA, SFMoMA, the National Gallery of Art, the Norton Simon Museum, and numerous other major international institutions.
Similar lithographs from the same series are also available. Inquiries welcome.