Francesco Clemente
Francesco Clemente, born 1952 in Naples, Italy, lives and works in New York. The Italian artist explores the hidden tensions of the human psyche, attempting to capture and interpret spiritual and religious currents. Clemente adapts their theories and iconographic symbols, removing them from their traditional contexts and integrating them into his own visual language. Through this reinterpretation, he gives them an expanded thematic dimension and positions his work within the postmodern movements of Transavanguardia and Arte Cifra. Having lived in India at various times, his work is influenced by the country's traditional art and culture.
Francesco Clemente Editions
Conversion to Her
1986
Etching with aquatint and softground on rag paper, 131 x 157 cm (51½ x 61¾ in). Edition of 40, signed and numbered.
Francesco Clemente transferred the motif of his eponymous painting from 1983, which is part of the collection of the Museum of Modern Art, New York, into the large-format technique of aquatint etching for this edition. While the erotic theme is striking, the iconographic meaning remains ambiguous. Clemente evokes psychological states and imaginary worlds that oscillate between dream, desire, and mystery.
EUR 2,500
Riconciliazione
1986
From For Joseph Beuys
Etching and aquatint, with gold leaf application, on rag paper, 60 x 80 cm (23½ x 31½ in). Edition of 90 + XXX, signed and numbered.
This edition was Francesco Clemente's contribution to the group portfolio For Joseph Beuys, which was published to commemorate Joseph Beuys' death in 1986.
EUR 1,250
Untitled
1984
Set of 2 lithographs on rag paper, 108 x 77 cm (43 x 30 in) each. Edition of 25, signed and numbered.
Despite their contrasting psychological connotations – dark and light – both editions are united by the overarching motif of the "couple". Francesco Clemente worked directly in the print studio in New Jersey without preparatory sketches, transferring his immediate imagination directly onto the lithographic stone.
Peso
1982
Lithograph printed on both sides of Okawara rice paper, 141 x 86 cm (55½ x 34 in). Edition: 50 + 15 A.P. + 5 H.C. + 3 P.P., signed and numbered.
Francesco Clemente created this edition using heavy lithographic stone plates, alluding to their physical weight in the title. Beyond that, Peso invites a metaphorical interpretation, understanding weight not only as a material property but also as an expression of psychological burden in the depiction of body fragments and their functions. The upper, smaller stone was printed frontally in red, while the two lower elements were worked on from the reverse, allowing the red to subtly shine through, creating a multi-layered sense of depth.
EUR 1,500
