Jules Olitski (1922-1977) is one of the most collected and accomplished artists associated with the color-field movement, if not 20th-century American abstraction.
Created in the mid-1960s, this joyful drawing emerges from a pivotal point in Olitski's career when he began his transition away from naive color field creations (featuring playful ovoids) to discover his radical spray painting technique.
Olitski's first chapter of artistic creation, and this drawing is included, is the most sought after and hardest to find. Over the last 60+ years, there have been less than a dozen such drawings to come on the secondary market. (Click here to see another example from this body of work).
This drawing is emblematic of the stain paintings of the era; large lopsided round shapes attempt to dominate the picture plane, intimidating other smaller forms and colors, whether mini circles or soft borders.
Atypical is the emphatic "Lechaim!" featured at the bottom of the page, bringing the bright and voluminous colors into a cheerful exclamation. (Lechaim is a Hebrew word that translates as "to life" and is used both in prayer and as an equivalent to "cheers")
Olitski's inclusion of text is a rare occurrence, making this piece an especially remarkable work from this era.
Originally sold in Toronto at Theo Waddington Galleries, this work has fortuitously found its way back to the city decades later. This mere coincidence serves as an emblem of Oltiski's important connection to Toronto, having exhibited continuously in the city for over twenty years at the David Mirvish Gallery and Gallery One throughout his career.
Questions about this piece? Contact us or call +1.416.704.1720
"Lechaim!"
USA, 1965
Pastel and mixed media on colored paper
Signed by the artist.
11.75"H 8.75"W (work)
19"H x 16"W (framed)
Very good condition.
- Where does the inventory ship from?
Our inventory is divided between New York and Toronto.
- Where do you ship to?
We can ship anywhere. Typically when we ship within North America we prefer to use FedEx or DHL. To Europe, Asia and beyond we generally use DHL.
- How much does it cost to ship?
For shipments within North America, we typically charge a flat rate fee. Many items on our site will list the rate. For shipping outside of North America, we can easily provide a quote and will look for the most efficient and economical option.
Most of the items on our site can be easily shipped internationally.
Occasionally we will recommend that an artwork be removed from its frame for shipping. Larger framed works are typically framed with plexiglass. We export over 80% of what we sell, so we are comfortable shipping anywhere.
- Are there additional taxes or fees?
When a work is valued above $2,500 usd there is a possibility of tax of 0.35%, but this is applied sporadically. There can similarly be an additional fee for customs brokerage and this can range from $20 - $65. US Taxes, duties and customs brokerage are not included in our flat rate shipping. However most of our shipments to the US enter without any additional fees.
- Do you provide a certificate of authenticity?
Yes, we guarantee everything we sell. We can provide both a digital and printed version of our certificate of authenticity.
What is your return policy?
- Caviar20 wants you to be 100% satisfied with your purchase. We have a 7 day no-questions full refund return policy for your purchase. Shipping charges are non-refundable. Return shipping is the responsibility of the customer. After 8 days returns are given a credit note. There is no expiration for our credit notes.
- What payment methods do you accept?
Canadian clients are welcomed and encouraged to pay with interac.