The Departure of the Argonaut

1983 - 1986, published 1986

Alberto Savinio (author) and Francesco Clemente

Associated Names
Francesco Clemente

Artist, Italian, born 1952

Alberto Savinio

Author, Italian, 1891 - 1952

Rolf Neumann

Printer

Petersburg Press

Publisher

George Scrivani

Translator

This is a photograph of a beige surface with embossed text. The image displays a plain beige textured backdrop with subtly impressed text. The top line reads "ALBERTO SAVINIO" and the second line reads "FRANCESCO CLEMENTE" arranged below it in a curved manner. The text is embossed, giving it a subtle appearance against the textured fabric or paper.
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Artwork overview

  • Medium

    illustrated book of 68 lithographs with letterpress text on Okawara mold-made kozo paper

  • Credit Line

    Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Robert A. Hauslohner

  • Dimensions

    overall (Each sheet): 64.5 x 100 cm (25 3/8 x 39 3/8 in.)

  • Accession Number

    1986.57.1.1-49

  • Series Title

    The Departure of the Argonaut

Associated Artworks

See all 68 artworks
This is a drawing of abstract geometric shapes with text incorporated. The drawing consists of a large circle containing a complex pattern of overlapping triangles and lines that form a symmetrical star-like configuration. Within this arrangement, there is a smaller collage element that includes a grayscale image of a section of an ancient ruin. To the right of the geometric figure, there is a column of text. The composition suggests an interplay between the mathematical precision of the geometric shapes and the narrative or conceptual depth offered by the accompanying text.

Plate (folio 1, side B) from The Departure of the Argonaut

Francesco Clemente, Rolf Neumann, Petersburg Press

1983

Plate (folio 2, side B) from The Departure of the Argonaut

Francesco Clemente, Rolf Neumann, Petersburg Press

1983

This image shows interconnected shapes formed by overlapping human figures in orange and blue outlines. The figures create a circular pattern across the page, appearing to weave in and out of themselves. The background contains text, suggesting the figures are layered upon a page of a book.

Plate (folio 3, side B) from The Departure of the Argonaut

Francesco Clemente, Rolf Neumann, Petersburg Press

1983

Artwork history & notes

Exhibition History

1988

  • Graphic Survey Show, National Gallery of Art, Washington, D.C., June 1988.

2024

  • The Anxious Eye: German Expressionism and Its Legacy, National Gallery of Art, Washington, DC, 2024.

Inscriptions

center in graphite on colophon p.: Francesco Clemente; lower center in plate on colophon p.: Images @ Francesco Clemente 1986 / HERMAPHRODITO @ Giulio Einaudi editore s .p.a. Torino 1974. English Translation @ George Scrivani 1986 / Publication @ Petersburg Press 1986; lCp//on title p.: Petersburg Press / 1986; each sh. stamped w/ the artist's mark

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