Enzo Cucchi (1949) - Senza Titolo

Enzo Cucchi (Morro d’Alba, 1949) – Untitled – Etching, artist’s proof printed by Luciano Bongiovanni, with handwritten annotations

This is a particularly interesting artist’s proof by Enzo Cucchi, one of the leading figures of the Italian Transavanguardia movement. Emerging in the late 1970s, this movement brought figuration, expressive gesture and an imaginative, visionary dimension of painting back to the forefront of artistic research.

Printed on Fabriano Rosaspina paper intended for fine-art printmaking, the image features a composition of considerable expressive intensity. A large dark area is crossed by undulating contours and lighter forms emerging from the surface, creating an enigmatic scene suspended between landscape, natural elements and figurative suggestions.

This example is of special interest because of its nature as a working proof. The initials “P.A.”, referring to an artist’s proof, are visible in the lower margin, together with the pencil signature “Enzo Cucchi”. The sheet also bears handwritten annotations, arrows and green pen markings that appear to indicate modifications and adjustments to be made to the image in preparation for the final edition. In the upper part, there is also a handwritten note reading “35 + 5 proofs”. These features give the sheet additional documentary interest beyond that of an ordinary impression from an edition.

A particularly significant aspect concerns the actual production history of the work: this proof was personally printed by Luciano Bongiovanni, the proposer’s father and an art printer specialising in etching. The print was produced within the framework of the professional collaboration and personal association between Bongiovanni and Enzo Cucchi, and also contributed to the artist’s acquaintance with and experimentation in the technique of etching and its related intaglio printing processes.

This proof therefore offers a glimpse into the development of the print, preserving traces of the instructions and checks carried out before the final version intended for the edition was established. The annotations are an integral part of the interest of this particular example and should not be mistaken for ordinary signs of deterioration. The fact that it was printed by Bongiovanni as part of his collaboration with the artist adds a further historical and collecting dimension to the work.

The sheet measures 35 × 50 cm, while the printed image measures approximately 32 × 18 cm. The paper is Fabriano Rosaspina, a support traditionally appreciated in fine-art printmaking and particularly suitable for intaglio techniques.

The work comes from the private collection of Francesco Bongiovanni and preserves direct evidence of the professional relationship between Enzo Cucchi and the printer who physically produced this proof. No certificates of authenticity, invoices or references to catalogues raisonnés are available; the description is based on the visible characteristics of the example, its signature, the annotations on the sheet and the information concerning its production.

An especially interesting example for collectors of Enzo Cucchi and contemporary graphic art, not only because of its nature as an artist’s proof with working annotations, but also because of its documented connection with Luciano Bongiovanni, who personally printed it.

Condition: based on the photographs, the sheet appears to be in fair to good overall condition, with a slight ivory tone to the paper and a few minor surface marks. Small scattered spots and slight colour irregularities can be seen, particularly in the upper area and on the reverse. The margins show some signs consistent with handling and storage over time. No obvious tears or losses are visible in the available photographs. The green pen annotations and handwritten instructions are features of the proof and should not be considered defects.

The work will be shipped with the usual care and attention, using rigid, protective packaging appropriate to its dimensions and delicate nature, in order to ensure the best possible protection during transport.

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**Enzo Cucchi (Morro d’Alba, 1949) – Untitled – Etching, artist’s proof printed by Luciano Bongiovanni, with handwritten annotations**

This is a particularly interesting artist’s proof by Enzo Cucchi, one of the leading figures of the Italian Transavanguardia movement. Emerging in the late 1970s, this movement brought figuration, expressive gesture and an imaginative, visionary dimension of painting back to the forefront of contemporary artistic research.

Printed on Fabriano Rosaspina paper intended for fine-art printmaking, the image features a composition of considerable expressive intensity. A large dark area is crossed by undulating contours and lighter forms emerging from the surface, creating an enigmatic scene suspended between landscape, natural elements and figurative suggestions.

This example is of special interest because of its nature as a working proof. The initials “P.A.”, referring to an artist’s proof, are visible in the lower margin, together with the pencil signature “Enzo Cucchi”. The sheet also bears handwritten annotations, arrows and green pen markings that appear to indicate modifications and adjustments to be made to the image in preparation for the final edition. In the upper part, there is also a handwritten note reading “35 + 5 proofs”. These features give the sheet additional documentary interest beyond that of an ordinary impression from an edition.

A particularly significant aspect concerns the actual production history of the work: this proof was personally printed by Luciano Bongiovanni, the proposer’s father and an art printer specialising in etching. The print was produced within the framework of the professional collaboration and personal association between Bongiovanni and Enzo Cucchi. Their relationship also contributed to the artist’s acquaintance with and experimentation in the technique of etching and its related intaglio printing processes.

This proof therefore offers a glimpse into the development of the print, preserving traces of the instructions and checks carried out before the final version intended for the edition was established. The annotations are an integral part of the interest of this particular example and should not be mistaken for ordinary signs of wear or damage. The fact that it was printed by Bongiovanni as part of his collaboration with the artist adds a further historical and collecting dimension to the work.

The sheet measures 35 × 50 cm, while the printed image measures approximately 32 × 18 cm. The paper is Fabriano Rosaspina, a support traditionally appreciated in fine-art printmaking and particularly suitable for intaglio techniques.

The work comes from the private collection of Francesco Bongiovanni and preserves direct evidence of the professional relationship between Enzo Cucchi and the printer who physically produced this proof. No certificate of authenticity, invoice or reference to a catalogue raisonné is available. The description is therefore based on the visible characteristics of the example, its signature, the annotations on the sheet and the information concerning its production.

An especially interesting example for collectors of Enzo Cucchi and contemporary graphic art, not only because of its nature as an artist’s proof with working annotations, but also because of its direct connection with Luciano Bongiovanni, who personally printed it.

Condition: based on the photographs, the sheet appears to be in fair to good overall condition, with a slight ivory tone to the paper and a few minor surface marks. Small scattered spots and slight colour irregularities can be seen, particularly in the upper area and on the reverse. The margins show some signs consistent with handling and storage over time. No obvious tears or losses are visible in the photographs. The green pen annotations and handwritten instructions are features of the proof and should not be considered defects.

The work will be shipped with the usual care and attention, using rigid, protective packaging appropriate to its dimensions and delicate nature, in order to ensure the best possible protection during transport.