ChildbirthAndré Masson · 1955
Lithograph- WallArt
- Surrealism
1955- Modern
53.0 x 44.0 cm
Tate Modern
André Masson (1896 – 1987)
French Surrealist pioneer of automatic drawing and experimental sand and glue paintings.
Tate Modern (London, United Kingdom)
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Visual Composition and Subject Matter
The artwork is a black and white lithograph on paper depicting a woman in the process of giving birth. The woman is shown lying horizontally and appears to be in distress. Her body is rendered in black and white, though the right hand and shoulder are highlighted in bright red. The scene is set against a mainly grey background.
Several star-shaped motifs are scattered throughout the composition; some are positioned on the woman's body, while others encircle the scene. One star-shaped object is located above her head and appears to be falling towards her. Additionally, the highest star in the composition is red. Two other figures are present in the image: one is located in the top left corner, and the other is situated near the bottom edge on the right side.
Technical Details
Title: Childbirth
Artist: André Masson
Date: 1955
Medium: Lithograph on paper
Original Title: L'Enfantement
About this artwork
- Title: Childbirth
- Artist: André Masson
- Year: 1955
- Original dimensions: 53.0 x 44.0 cm
- Format: Portrait
- Copyright status: Under copyright
- Where to see it: Tate Modern
- Movement: Surrealism
- Period: Modern
- Creative period: Mature Period
Quick Facts
- Year: 1955
- Medium: Lithograph on paper
- Title: Childbirth
- Notable elements or techniques: Automatic drawing
- Influences: Cubism
- Artistic style: Abstract Expressionism
Questions & Answers
Did "Childbirth" stay in its artist's homeland?
No - the artwork is kept abroad. André Masson was born in France, and the original "Childbirth" is held in a museum in United Kingdom.
At what size is "Childbirth" suggested for a living room?
In a living room, "Childbirth" is suggested at a medium print size.
Where in André Masson's career does "Childbirth" fall, given its date?
The 1955 date places "Childbirth" in the Mature Period of André Masson's development.