Frankenthaler, Helen | Earth Slice, 1978 — available on Composition Gallery

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Soft-ground etching, sugar-lift etching, and aquatint on Mauve HMP handmade paper

Helen Frankenthaler’s Earth Slice (1978) is a limited edition etching and aquatint that captures the artist’s abstract expressionist approach to landscape. The print combines soft-ground etching, sugar-lift etching, and aquatint techniques, all executed on Mauve HMP handmade paper. The composition features earthy tones—browns, ochres, and hints of green—suggesting a natural landscape or terrain. The fluid, organic forms and textural qualities evoke the essence of land and earth, reflecting Frankenthaler’s mastery in blending abstraction with elements of the natural world. Signed and numbered, this work was produced in an edition of 46, with an additional 12 artist proofs, showcasing her innovative use of printmaking to convey emotion and depth.

Helen Frankenthaler (USA, 1928–2011) was a leading abstract painter and a pioneer of the Color Field movement. Known for her innovative 'soak-stain' technique, she applied diluted paint directly onto unprimed canvases, creating luminous, fluid compositions that redefined modern abstraction.

Helen Frankenthaler

Earth Slice, 1978

Name: Earth Slice, 1978
SKU: 12806
Price: 11500.00 USD
Availability: InStock

Form

Limited Edition Print

Limited Edition PrintA limited edition print is one of a number of prints made at the same time from one printmaking plate. A fixed number are made and signed by the artist, indicating the printing order, using the format 1/10, meaning first of ten prints.

Medium

Etching and Aquatint

Etching and AquatintEtching and aquatint are printmaking techniques. In aquatint, the printing plate is etched with a pattern of tiny pits and cracks to create a wide range of tonal gradations. This technique allows artists to replicate the broad, flat tones found in watercolor paintings and ink washes.

Edition

Edition of 46 + 12 AP

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●Inventory 12806

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Soft-ground etching, sugar-lift etching, and aquatint on Mauve HMP handmade paper

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Helen Frankenthaler

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Helen Frankenthaler

Pompeii Forte, 1976-82

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Helen Frankenthaler

Venice II, 1969-1972

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Helen Frankenthaler

Orange Hoop, 1965

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Japanese Maple, 2005

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Eve, 1995

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Lot's Wife, 1971

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Ochre Dust, 1987

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Tribal Sign, 1987

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Ganymede, 1978

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Pranzo Itali(...), 1973

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Guadalupe, 1989

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Grey Firewor(...), 2000

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Skywriting, 1997

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A Slice of t(...), 1969

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White Portal, 1967

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Causeway, 2001

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Variation II(...), 1969

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Crete, 1969-72

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Cedar Hill, 1983

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Ponti, 1973

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Valentine fo(...), 1995

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Flotilla, 2006

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Comet, 1980-82

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Geisha, 2003

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Day One, 1987

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Un poco más, 1987

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Bronze Smoke, 1978

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Spring Veil, 1987

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Soho Dreams, 1987

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A really good picture looks as if it's happened at once. It's an immediate image.

- Helen Frankenthaler

Initially creating in the style of abstract expressionism before going on to pioneer the Colour Field movement, Helen Frankenthaler was an iconic, highly influential artist with work spanning across the mediums of painting, sculpture and printmaking. Frankenthaler was initially recognised for her colour-stain technique – the practice of applying heavily diluted oil paint onto an unprimed canvas that had been lay flat on the floor; the practice of laying the canvas flat was inspired by Jackson Pollock. Frankenthaler drew a lot of her inspiration from nature – her works would analyse natural forms and recreate them on the canvas – this, as well as the technique of laying the canvas flat, is exemplified in her most notable painting, Mountains and Sea. Asides from these paintings, Frankenthaler also received acclaim for her printmaking – Madame Butterfly is her most recognised print and was created with the use of 46 woodblocks and a range of 102 different colours. (Artist website)

Artwork by Helen Frankenthaler

What is abstract expressionism?

Abstract Expressionism is an art movement that emerged in the United States during the 1940s and 1950s. Characterized by large, abstract canvases, the movement emphasized spontaneous, expressive brushwork and the use of color and form to convey emotion rather than represent reality. Artists like Jackson Pollock, Mark Rothko, and Willem de Kooning are key figures in this movement. Abstract Expressionism marked a shift in the art world, making New York City a center of the international art scene.

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Helen Frankenthaler

Earth Slice, 1978

38.1 x 63.5 cm

Helen Frankenthaler

Earth Slice, 1978

Form

Medium

Size

Edition

Price

Artworks

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Biography

Bio

Untitled, 1967

Broome Street at Night, 1987

Midnight, 1987

Sirocco, 1989

Reflections IX, 1995

Parets, 1987

Madame de Pompadour, 1985

Valentine for Mr. Wonderful (book), 1995

Private Listing

Earth Slice, 1978

Untitled (What red lines can do), 1970

Ramblas, 1987-1988

Aerie, 2009

Solar Imp, 2001

Pompeii Forte, 1976-82

Venice II, 1969-1972

Orange Hoop, 1965

Japanese Maple, 2005

Eve, 1995

Lot's Wife, 1971

Ochre Dust, 1987

Tribal Sign, 1987

Ganymede, 1978

Pranzo Itali(...), 1973

Guadalupe, 1989

Grey Firewor(...), 2000

Skywriting, 1997

A Slice of t(...), 1969

White Portal, 1967

Causeway, 2001

Variation II(...), 1969

Crete, 1969-72

Cedar Hill, 1983

Ponti, 1973

Valentine fo(...), 1995

Flotilla, 2006

Comet, 1980-82

Geisha, 2003

Day One, 1987

Un poco más, 1987

Bronze Smoke, 1978

Spring Veil, 1987

Soho Dreams, 1987

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