JACK LEVINE

(1915-2010)

VERNISSAGE

1967

Lithograph on Arches paper: sight size 17 1/2 x 22 inches

Sheet size: 17 7/8 x 22 1/8 inches

Printer: Atelier Mourlot, NY

Publisher: A. Lublin Inc., NY

Edition 125, Artists Proofs 10-20

Signed in pencil: To Creilly with Love Jack 1/26/83 Artists Proof  J. Levine (lower center to right)

Frame: Wood frame with silver profile, matted under glass: 24 x 27 ½ inches

Note: Reflections on the glass

Creilly Pollack (1930-2003), widow of Peter Pollack (1909-1978) who was a former Director of the American Federation of Arts, curator/photography historian of the Art Institute of Chicago and author of the seminal photography book “The Picture History of Photography,”

A vernissage (varnishing), is a French term used for a preview of an art exhibition, often private, before the formal opening. Guests may be served canapes and wine as they discuss with artists and others the works in the exhibition. If the vernissage is not open to the public, but only for invited guests, it is often called a private view.

At official exhibitions, such as the Royal Academy summer exhibition, artists, in the past, would give a finishing touch to their works by varnishing them (J. M. W. Turner was known for making significant changes to works on varnishing day while his fellow academicians were simply varnishing). The custom of patrons and the elite of visiting the academies during the varnishing day prior to the formal opening of the exhibition gave rise to the tradition of celebrating the completion of an art work or a series of art works with friends and sponsors.