André Masson

French, 1896 - 1987

Explore selected works

The image shows swirling and curved lines forming an abstract composition resembling a face in profile. Natural elements like leaves and water lilies are integrated into the outline of the facial features. The contours and patterns create a whimsical blend of elements, connecting the human form to the organic world.
André Masson, Best Wishes for 1973 from La Galerie Sagot-LeGarrec, 1972, etching, Rosenwald Collection, 1980.45.1036

Best Wishes for 1973 from La Galerie Sagot-LeGarrec

André Masson · 1972 · etching ·  Accession ID  1980.45.1036
The image contains irregular, flowing lines and shapes in green and black. One shape resembles a swirling question mark or a bent vine, while another set of lines forms a simplistic outline of a face with an elongated profile. At one end, there are curves and spirals, possibly suggesting an ornate tail or a whimsical pipe. Above this, there are angular strokes hinting at feather texture, resembling a bird's wing. Additionally, there is a dark, circular form with a multi-lobed pattern that could be seen as a leaf or a flower. The composition is set against a textured green background.
André Masson, Metamorphose (Metamorphosis), 1963, color lithograph on Arches wove paper, Rosenwald Collection, 1964.8.1214

Metamorphose (Metamorphosis)

André Masson · 1963 · color lithograph on Arches wove paper ·  Accession ID  1964.8.1214
The image showcases swirling, curved lines and shapes against a dark background. Some shapes are reminiscent of letters or musical notes. The colors red, purple, and green are scattered within the shapes, resembling leaves or abstract flowers.
André Masson, Illustration for 'Mines de rien' by Robert Desnos, 1960, aquatint etching on wove paper, Rosenwald Collection, 1964.8.1211

Illustration for 'Mines de rien' by Robert Desnos

André Masson · 1960 · aquatint etching on wove paper ·  Accession ID  1964.8.1211
The image shows swirling and curved lines interspersed with dots and star-like shapes, forming an abstract composition. The lines are white, with green and orange patches against a black background. The composition resembles a dance of celestial bodies, reminiscent of stars and comets. The shapes evoke freeform patterns seen in textiles or wallpaper designs, suggesting a swirling motion similar to astronomical phenomena.
André Masson, Illustration for 'Mines de rien' by Robert Desnos, 1960, aquatint etching on wove paper, Rosenwald Collection, 1964.8.1213

Illustration for 'Mines de rien' by Robert Desnos

André Masson · 1960 · aquatint etching on wove paper ·  Accession ID  1964.8.1213
The image displays sinuous white lines on a dark background. The lines contain intricate patterns in pink and mustard colors that resemble chaotic scribbles. The borders are undulating, while the inner patterns suggest dense networks or tangles of string.
André Masson, Illustration for 'Mines de rien' by Robert Desnos, 1960, aquatint etching on wove paper, Rosenwald Collection, 1964.8.1210

Illustration for 'Mines de rien' by Robert Desnos

André Masson · 1960 · aquatint etching on wove paper ·  Accession ID  1964.8.1210
The image displays white curving lines and shapes on a dark background. There are blue and red circular spots scattered throughout the design. The composition suggests movement and flow.
André Masson, Illustration for 'Mines de rien' by Robert Desnos, 1960, aquatint etching on wove paper, Rosenwald Collection, 1964.8.1212

Illustration for 'Mines de rien' by Robert Desnos

André Masson · 1960 · aquatint etching on wove paper ·  Accession ID  1964.8.1212
The image shows a close-up of a person's head, capturing the profile from the shoulders up in a stylized manner with emphasis on contours and shading. The person is facing left, displaying the left side of their face with a hint of the ear and neck visible. Facial features are suggested with soft lines and dark shading, and the hair is depicted with subtle lines blending into the dark background. No clothing or additional objects are present, and the background is dark and heavily shaded, contrasting with the lighter area around the head to enhance the facial outline.
André Masson, Curt Valentin, 1946, lithograph, Rosenwald Collection, 1947.12.32

Curt Valentin

André Masson · 1946 · lithograph ·  Accession ID  1947.12.32
The image shows interlocking and overlapping shapes creating a dynamic network of lines. It features geometric elements like curves, zigzags, and crosshatches that resemble the silhouette of reclining figures or objects. The arrangement of these shapes and lines suggests chaotic motion, similar to a tangled web or a playful assembly reminiscent of puzzle pieces.
André Masson, Le Lit hanté (The Haunted Bed), 1942, pen and black ink with wash and watercolor on wove paper, Gift of Helen Porter and James T. Dyke, 2015.26.1

Le Lit hanté (The Haunted Bed)

André Masson · 1942 · pen and black ink with wash and watercolor on wove paper ·  Accession ID  2015.26.1
This abstract image showcases a series of intertwined organic shapes and lines woven together in a complex pattern. A prominent curved form resembles a bird's head with an exaggerated beak and eye. The upper part of the image features a large claw or talon with scaled detailing. These figures are set against a background of lined shading that adds depth and texture, creating a surreal landscape. The elements form an imaginative scene playing with familiar motifs resembling animals found in nature.
André Masson, Untitled, 1938, engraving on laid paper, Reba and Dave Williams Collection, Gift of Reba and Dave Williams, 2008.115.713.3

Untitled

André Masson · 1938 · engraving on laid paper ·  Accession ID  2008.115.713.3
""

Seduction

André Masson · 1973 · color lithograph on japan paper ·  Accession ID  2014.17.18

Bibliography

1990

  • Saphire, Lawrence. André Masson, The Complete Graphic Work. New York, 1990.

1994

  • Saphire, Lawrence, and Patrick Cramer. André Masson, The Illustrated Books, Catalogue Raisonné. Geneva, 1994.