HISTORIC & CULTURAL CLASSICS AUCTION
Lot 79:
James C. Christensen
"Two Angels Discussing Botticelli" limited edition signed print by listed artist, James C. Christensen. Edition 2326/2950 and signed in pencil. James C. Christensen (1942-) was an American illustrator and painter of religious and fantasy art. Christensen was born and raised in Culver City, California. Christensen began his studies at Santa Monica College. He attended the University of California, Los Angeles and obtained a MFA from Brigham Young University. The Greenwich Workshop is North America’s leading fine art publisher, specializing in the burgeoning medium of visual entertainment. Founded in 1972 by David Usher, the company’s principal products are Fine Art Edition prints and giclée canvases―which are collectible, fine-quality reproductions of original paintings by the most sought-after, most collected group of artists painting today. The company distributes its artwork through authorized dealers, primarily art galleries and framers, across the United States and Canada. Possessing the best, assurance of quality, fidelity and rarity are the tangible benefits of owning Greenwich Workshop Fine Art Editions. Art measures 16” x 12”.
“When I was on a museum trip, I bought a book on Botticelli. As I kept looking at the book, I noticed the colors, the hand gestures, the big feet . . . all the details that are characteristic of Botticelli. So I thought, ‘Let’s see how many Botticell references I can work in naturally.’
“The way the leaves of the greenery in the back are silhouetted is right out of Botticelli as are the flowers on the bodice. Even so, it’s not a matter of how many Botticelli references can you find without looking them up. It’s homage. It is an appreciation. Actually, it’s a portrait of two angels who respect Botticelli so much that they have fashioned themselves after his work. They’re not indulging in fashion trends; he’s just their favorite and they love him.
“I wanted to be very careful about keeping a reverence for these angels – not a religious, supernatural reverence, but a very kind reverence. These are honest, genuine angels, who are honestly, genuinely intrigued by, and admiring of, Botticelli.”
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