Erma Bifronte

Erma Bifronte in an original etching realized by Emilio Greco in 1969,  hand signed, titled and dated in pencil on lower right margin. Artist's proof. Printed and published by Il Bisonte, Florence. Edition of 60 prints. Perfect conditions.

The artwork is an elegant subject realized by Greco on ivory Magnani paper. It represents a classical subject: a double face Erma. The Erma is an ancient sculpture with a double face, representing the god Ermes. This subject shows a great interest of the artist in the classical mythology and the sculpture. It is a very elegant subject, the contour line of the faces can be glimpsed even with only a few strokes.

Emilio Greco (Catania, 1913 - Roma, 1995) was a popular Italian artist, engraver and painter. He was also considered one of the greatest sculptors of the Twentieth century. He became an apprentice in a Sicilian stonemason's shop and then he moved to Rome where he lived with other artists in Villa Massimo and where he exhibited his artworks for the first time. In 1948, he became a teacher at the famous artistic high school of Via Ripetta in Rome. Picasso evaluated him "Greco is the greatest painter in Europe". 

Reference : Maurizio Calvesi, " Emilio Greco Incisioni e Litografie ", Cigno Edizioni,1995, Roma, N. 50, p.180.