Original photogravure on mould-made letterpress paper - Published by The Limited Editions Club New York
- Suite: A Season in Hell by Arthur Rumbaud
- Hand signed by Mapplethorpe and the translator on the colophon page attached within the frame.
In A Season in Hell, Robert Mapplethorpe engages with the expressive possibilities of photogravure within a broader dialogue between image and literary reference. Originally created in conjunction with a new translation of Arthur Rimbaud’s Une Saison en Enfer, this work merges technical precision with conceptual intensity. The rich tonal modulation and compositional restraint characteristic of this print underscore Mapplethorpe’s sustained interest in form, presence, and the human body as a sculptural subject. The dialogue between text and image here is not merely illustrative; it reflects a formal and psychological exploration of identity and artistic legacy through the language of photography.
Edition details, issuance, and physical condition have been verified according to recognized standards for editioned photography. These factors are essential for collectors and institutions assessing long-term relevance and market integrity, offering clarity and confidence in the work’s documentation and presentation.
