Roger Somville (1923–2014) - s.t.

Roger Somville (1923–2014) - s.t.

Lithography in black on heavyweight art paper.
69.5 × 49.8 cm
Edition: I/XXV (1/25)
Signed bottom right in pencil "Somville"
Bottom left, numbered in pencil “I/XXV”
From the folder: 12 Artists, 1975 (Lions Club Antwerp)

This expressive lithograph from 1975 is a powerful example of Roger Somville’s figurative vocabulary. With energetic, nervous lines and contrasts of black, Somville builds a layered composition in which two figures flow into one another. The loose, sketchy approach – with visible hatching and bold brush or crayon strokes – emphasizes the direct, human intensity that is characteristic of his oeuvre.

Somville was co-founder of the group Forces Murales and one of the leading representatives of engaged figuration in Belgium after 1945. His work is included in numerous public collections and is valued for its socially humanist undertone and monumental visual language. Even in his graphic work, this expressive power remains clearly evident.

This sheet is part of the prestigious portfolio “12 Artists” (1975), published by the Lions Club Antwerp, in which works by leading Belgian artists of the period were included. The edition consisted of only 25 copies; this is number I/XXV — the first issue of the edition, which provides an added value for collectors.

With its generous size (nearly 70 cm tall), the work has a strong visual impact. The combination of a small edition, early edition position (No. 1), and provenance from a portfolio containing works by several renowned artists significantly enhances its collectible value.

Condition: In good condition. The paper shows light, even aging in the margins consistent with its age. No tears or restorations.

A rare and representative graphic publication by a key artist in Belgian postwar figuration.