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Brunhilde II

Print
1994 (published)
Artist/Maker
Place of origin

In 1992 Le Brun was commissioned by a private collector to paint four pictures on the theme of Wagner's Ring Cycle opera. In making the paintings, Le Brun produced many sketches and studies which he decided to develop in printed form. These were published as a suite of eight etchings in a portfolio. All were developed from photogravures. Photogravure is a process for transferring photographs - in this case photographs of Le Brun's Ring Cycle paintings - onto copper etching plates. Le Brun then proceeded to alter the imagery on the plates using conventional etching techniques; some were changed substantially, some very little.

Le Brun is unusual in that he uses etching in the way that most artists use drawing, that is as a means of developing and experimenting with ideas which then feed back into his paintings.

Object details

Categories
Object type
Titles
  • Brunhilde II (assigned by artist)
  • Wagner (series title)
Materials and techniques
Photogravure with etching and aquatint on paper
Brief description
Plate from the 'Wagner' portfolio of prints by Christopher le Brun.
Physical description
Photogravure with etching and aquatint on paper
Dimensions
  • Size of sheet height: 71cm
  • Size of sheet width: 71cm
Copy number
16/50
Marks and inscriptions
16/50 Le Brun (Edition number and signature; in pencil)
Credit line
Given by Christopher Le Brun, Charles Booth-Clibborn and Marlborough Fine Art Ltd
Literary referenceWagner's <i>Ring Cycle</i>
Summary
In 1992 Le Brun was commissioned by a private collector to paint four pictures on the theme of Wagner's Ring Cycle opera. In making the paintings, Le Brun produced many sketches and studies which he decided to develop in printed form. These were published as a suite of eight etchings in a portfolio. All were developed from photogravures. Photogravure is a process for transferring photographs - in this case photographs of Le Brun's Ring Cycle paintings - onto copper etching plates. Le Brun then proceeded to alter the imagery on the plates using conventional etching techniques; some were changed substantially, some very little.

Le Brun is unusual in that he uses etching in the way that most artists use drawing, that is as a means of developing and experimenting with ideas which then feed back into his paintings.
Collection
Accession number
E.526:9-2001

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Record createdMay 1, 2009
Record URL
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