Description
Head of Zeus, an engraving, the first of the nine intaglios by Stanley William Hayter that illustrate the book-length poem Death of Hektor by Irish poet Brian Coffey.
This poem is a dramatic reinterpretation of Homer’s epic tale from The Iliad. Rather than embrace the traditional view of Achilles as the embodiment of honor, glory, and fame, Coffey and Hayter portray the Greek hero-warrior as a violent and vengeful soldier—his mindless and brutal actions during and after the murder of the Trojan prince Hektor belying his tragic hero status. In this, they challenge the glorification of the culture of war—violence, destruction, and death—elevating the importance of a morally-conscious Hektor, while stressing Homer’s deep insight into the human condition.
This is a masterwork by one of the most important print-makers in modern history.
Details
Medium:
Intaglio print in burnt sienna and blue ink from an engraving, soft-ground etching, and etching and roulette on copper plate.
Paper:
Printed on Crisbook paper, each sheet separately handmade by the legendary (and now shuttered) Barcham Green paper company, specially watermarked “SWH 1976” for this project.
Publisher:
Published by Circle Press, Surrey.
Printer:
Some of the plates from the Hektor portfolio were printed by Hayter at Atelier 17 in Paris and others by Jack Shirreff at 107 Workshop Wiltshire in England.
Date:
1979
Signature:
Hand-signed and dated in pencil by the artist en recto lower right. Numbered in pencil en recto lower left. Titled with Roman numeral “I” en recto center.
Edition:
This is impression 23 out of the edition of 300 (aside from 50 copies not for sale). Produced from March through December 1979.
Framing:
This print is not framed but the price quoted includes float-framing on rag mat in a black-stained ash frame behind UV-Filter Plexiglass with all-rag spacers using all conservation materials. Please let us know if you do not wish for the work to be framed before delivery.
Condition:
Excellent condition, without damage or flaw; impression bright, crisp, and clear.
Sheet Size:
15.75 in. (h) x 11.5 in. (w)
Plate Size:
160 mm x 160 mm
Framed Size:
18.5 in. (h) x 14.375 in. (w) x 1.5 in. (d)
Catalogue Raisonné:
Black & Moorhead 403; Cont. Artist’s 389-390.
