Denis Long (1940) - Salmo 127

Denis Long (San Francisco, California, USA, 1940). - "Salmo 127" (Tribute to John Paul II Collection, Exhibited at the Vatican) - Original Etching, Limited Edition

Artwork Details:

Technique: Original etching. 
Dimensions: 47 cm x 40 cm. 
Edition: 333/500. The print is hand-numbered, dated '93, and signed by the artist. 

About the Artist and the Artwork's Meaning:

The Artist: Born in San Francisco in 1940, Denis Long is an internationally recognized artist known for his profound abstract and geometric compositions. His work often explores spatial relationships and architectural forms through a minimalist lens. 

Meaning: Titled Salmo 127, the etching visually interprets the accompanying poetic text: "« y en una crestería de flechas solidarias »" (and in a cresting of arrows of solidarity). Long utilizes a stark, geometric abstraction—featuring sharp, intersecting arrow-like forms and deep, textured black planes—to represent the strength, structure, and collective solidarity implied in the biblical Psalm. 

Exceptional History and Provenance:

Papal Tribute: This print belongs to the historic XV Anniversary Collection, an exclusive portfolio featuring twelve highly prestigious international painters commissioned to honor H.H. John Paul II on the fifteenth anniversary of his pontificate. 

Exhibited at the Holy See: The collection was originally presented on October 17, 1995, in the Conference Room of the Vatican Typography, and the original artworks from this tribute were exhibited within the Vatican itself. 

Vatican Typography & Exclusivity: All editorial materials, including the presentation folders, were printed using the exclusive Vatican Typography. To ensure that buyers acquire a truly unrepeatable piece, the original metal printing plates were permanently destroyed at the end of the process, an act officially certified by a Notary of Vatican City. 

Quality and Collector's Value:

Masterful Execution: The etching stands out for its exceptional printing quality, characterized by deep, velvety blacks and sharp textural contrasts. The heavy plate mark pressed into the paper highlights the physical craftsmanship of the traditional etching process. 

Investment Opportunity: Combining striking minimalist aesthetics with an impeccable and historic Vatican provenance, this signed and numbered piece represents a fantastic acquisition for collectors of contemporary abstract graphic art.