Joseph Nechvatal, Thou Shalt Not Make Graven Images (The Second Commandment) 1987

Joseph Nechvatal

Thou Shalt Not Make Graven Images (The Second Commandment) 1987

3 Color lithograph on Arches paper with deckled edges

Hand signed, dated and numbered 76/84 on the front

Unframed

This three color lithograph on Arches paper with deckled edges is pencil signed, dated and numbered 76 from the limited edition of 84.  This classic Nechvatal print was created as part of the 1987 portfolio "The Ten Commandments", in which ten top Jewish American artists were each invited to choose an Old Testament commandment to interpret in contemporary lithographic form. The "Chosen" artists were, in order of Commandment: Kenny Scharf, Joseph Nechvatal, Gretchen Bender, April Gornik, Robert Kushner, Nancy Spero, Vito Acconci, Jane Dickson, Judy Rifka and Richard Bosman. This lithograph is in excellent condition; unframed with deckled edges so it would look terrific when floated and framed. This is the first time it will have been removed from the original portfolio case. (shown). Lisa Liebmann, who wrote the introduction to the collection, observed:  "...The image has, for most of us, replaced the word..."  With respect to the present work, she writes, "The Second Commandment, against the making of images, is the most remote from us, and therefore open to interpretation..." Excellent original condition.

SIGNATURE

Signed and numbered from the limited edition of 84 on the recto (front). 

PROVENANCE

From the original portfolio box, Ten Commandments Portfolio, 1987, Art Issue Editions, Inc. (box not included)