Dimensions: 48 x 70 cm
Signature: signed p.d.: Lebenstein 73, inscribed l.d.: Monotypie lithographie gouache, inscribed midd: "Scene de salon"
Provenance
Warsaw, private collection France, private collection
The featured work is a prototype of one of the most famous and frequently exhibited and reproduced lithographs by Jan Lebenstein. The composition, with its arrangement of figures, refers to the classic theme for European painting, "Susanna and the Old Men." However, the well-known biblical story is heavily reformulated in the artist's reception. Modest and innocent, Old Testament Susanna - becomes here a sensual temptress. Like a salon lioness, she reclines on a rococo sofa, with a consciousness exposing her naked body. Her companions - instead of old men - are two mythical, humanoid monsters, as if taken directly from Johann Füssli's canvas "Night Mara" (1781).
The offered work is characterized by an interesting technique of execution. The monotype, originally reflected only in two colors and black, was enriched by the artist with drawing in pastel and watercolor - which enhanced the color scheme of the work. The structural effect of the background, together with the rhythmic, soft line, created a harmonious compositional whole.
