Here we have a very rare lithograph print entitled "Head" by the legendary NYC and Florida artist Maybelle Stamper (1907-1995). This very limited lithograph is linked to one of the most legendary stories in 20th century art. Stamper was a mover and shaker in the early 1900s NYC art scene and then her marriage fell apart. Taking refuge on an island off of Florida, she became a recluse and focused on creating her unbelievable artwork. One of which is this stunning achievement. There are notes by the artist along the bottom, as was her style.
"HEAD Aug 9, 1958"
"MAYBELLE STAMPER"
"2nd pr 6/7 Nov 4 '58"
Here's some background information about the artist courtesy of the Rauschenberg Foundation:
On the land to the west of the Print House once stood the home of artist and long-time Captiva resident Maybelle Stamper. In her early life, Stamper studied at the School of the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston and the Art Student’s League in New York.
She moved to Captiva in 1947 and was best known for her “Songs,” as she called her signature work that often took years to complete. The pieces consisted of multi-layered lithographs with hand coloring, often incorporating diary-like inscriptions and poems under swirling abstracted figures and natural forms. Rauschenberg held her in high regard.
Beginning in 1985, through a trust agreement similar to a reverse mortgage, Stamper’s ownership of her property was transferred to Rauschenberg in exchange for a monthly payment throughout her lifetime. He paid her bills and medical expenses and his staff cared for her until her death in 1995. The home was demolished due to its dilapidated state in 2008.
Here are more articles about her (here and here) diving into her genius, reclusiveness and associated behavior. Here's her Wikipedia page.
The rare lithograph and protective matting measure 20" by 15 3/4". The exposed artwork measures 13" by 10". The lithograph is very clean. There is evidence slight foxing from age along the very edges of the print. Please see all pics as they are part of the description.
I ship FedEx to street addresses in the continental USA only (no PO Boxes). Free shipping on the very rare lithograph by this seminal Feminist artist.
Rare is the opportunity, and great is the regret when it leaves my possession. Maybelle Stamper was a genius, plain and simple.
