'The Tennis Man' by Mario Schifano (circa 1970s)

'The Tennis Man', original lithograph, by Mario Schifano (circa 1970s). A lively backhand stroke executed with beautiful form by a square-jawed tennis player, originally drawn in ink. The dedication written in pencil at the bottom is most likely by someone other than the artist as the handwriting sample differs and there is another signature. This person wrote the words 'Prova d'Artista' followed by 'Il Tennista' then 'un ricordo a...' where it becomes illegible. In English: 'Artist's Proof', the 'Tennis Man' and 'A Memory of...'. The artist's proof lithograph by Schifano seems to have been given to a third party and signed by the gifter. (NB: Collectors also usually prefer final artist's proofs even when they are identical to the main edition. An artist's proof has special value because of its extra rarity and its possible differences from the "standard" print.). The lithograph's signature matches those of known works by this significant artist. His artworks have sold for over 1M€ at Sotheby's. The artwork is in overall good condition and newly framed with anti-reflective glass. Upon request a video may be provided.

About the Artist: Mario Schifano (1934-1968) is considered one of the most significant artists of Italian postmodernism. He worked in numerous media throughout his career, but is perhaps best known for his collages consisting of advertising, scrap paper and painted components. During the latter half of his career, Schifano’s work became increasingly political as he explored issues such as the Vietnam War and widespread social unrest through both film and photography. 

Born in 1934 in Libya, Schifano and his family relocated to Rome after World War II. With little interest in formal schooling, Schifano took up painting independently and began producing mixed-media works, primarily utilizing monochromatic canvases with glued wrapping paper and stenciling applied. These works garnered critical acclaim, and were followed by a number of exhibitions both in Italy and the US. In 1962 he was included in New Realists, an important group show at the Sidney Janis Gallery in New York alongside artists such as Andy Warhol and Roy Lichtenstein. Often employing elements of pop culture, such as brand logos and advertisements, his work is largely considered within the context of Pop art. Although Schifano was consistently productive and critically acclaimed, he struggled with drug addiction for most of his life, a habit that resulted in multiple arrests, which led the artist to label his career maldoto – cursed. He died at the age of 63 in Rome in 1998 (Ref: Sotheby's). His artworks have sold for over 1M€ at Sotheby's.

Dimensions with frame:

H 64 cm / 25.2"

W 50 cm / 19.7"

Dimensions without frame:

H 50 cm / 19.7"

W 37 cm / 14.6"