About the work

In the 1950s, Bernard Childs developed an abstract picture language which used archetypical signs and symbols, seen in this work, Satellite, which contains a circular raised design composed of starbursts, clusters of gathered markings in the same direction, splotches of white.

An important work, much sought after.

Provenance.

In addition to the 1963 signature, this work is inscribed “for Smitty – salut!” and dated 28.V.66 (May 28, 1966) and initialed by Childs. According to the artist’s inventory, “Smitty” is Louis Smith. The reframed work retains the label en verso from the Smith Glass and Mirror Company of Northampton, Massachusetts.

Collections.

Childs’ work is held by all important museums and collections. This work in particular is held in numerous important public collections, including the collections of The New York Public Library (AP 3/10); the U.S. Information Agency, Washington, DC (AP); the Achenbach Foundation for Graphic Arts at the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco (épreuve d’état unique 1/1); Fogg Art Museum of Harvard University (unique trial proof, museum purchase, 2000); Philadelphia Museum of Art (épreuve d’état unique in metallic gold and black, museum purchase, 1964).

Publications and Exhibitions:

Reproductions of this work have appeared in print on many occasions, including the following:

“Bernard Childs, Le Signe Transforme en Paysage”, Ragnar von Holten, ART INTERNATIONAL, Lugano VII/4 May 1964, reproduction.
“Bernard Childs: Exhibition of Paintings, Engravings and Drawings”, Howard Conant New York University Art Collection, April 14-May 15, 1964, exhibition catalog p. 5 b&w reproduction.
“Modern Masters of Intaglio”, Queens College.
Prints by Bernard Childs, Wiggin Gallery of the Boston Public Library, Dec 1968-Jan 1969.
“Bernard Childs: The Proof of Transformation”, Hirschl & Adler Galleries, New York, Nov. 5-Dec 17, 1994.
“Precision and Prestige: The Arts of Engraving”, Fogg Art Museum at Harvard University, Aug 11-Dec 2, 2001.
“Bernard Childs: Master Printmaker”, Anders Wahllstedt Fine Art, New York, Feb 2-Mar 11, 2017.

Note: This work preceded the 1967 work Satellite II.

Attributes	Value
Medium	Intaglio
Date	1960-1970
Signing, Dating, and Titling	Signed, dated, and titled by the artist en recto on bottom
Framing	Custom framed and matted using conservation materials
Condition	Excellent Condition

Medium:

Intaglio print. Plate of zinc cut and engraved with rotary saws, burrs, scraper, burnisher, drills, and files. The plate from the final state is held in the collection of the Boston Public Library.

Paper:

Printed on Arches Velin 250 gm cream wove paper using gold metallic ink made by the artist as well as black and transparent white. (The print has ink that appears to be grey which is actually transparent black achieved with the transparent white and wiping.)

Date:

1963

Signature:

Hand-signed and dated in pencil by the artist en recto lower left. Titled and marked “épreuve d’état unique ‘Satellite’ 1/1” en recto lower right. Inscribed.

Edition:

Épreuve d’état unique 1/1. One of approximately 20 state and trial proofs which preceded the edition of ten.

Framing:

Reframed in 2020 using the existing fine hardwood and gilt frame and matted with an 8-ply conservation-grade mat. It is glazed with UV-protective plexiglass.

Condition:

Excellent condition, without damage or flaw; colors bright, crisp, and clear.

Framed Size:

18.5 in. (h) x 19.5 in. (w) x 1 in.

Sheet Size:

17 in. (h) x 19.675 in. (w)

Image Size:

7 in. (h) x 8 in. (w)