ARMAN (Armand Pierre Fernandez, dit) (French/American, 1928–2005) Masque africain (African Mask), 1996 Original color etching and aquatint (5 inks) on premium vélin d’Arches woven paper. Limited edition of only 60 standard proofs (16/60). Hand-signed and numbered in pencil. Dimensions: - Paper size: 76 x 57 mm - Image size: 60 x 45 mm Full, uncropped margins. Very good state (bright colors, strong plate impression). Art Historical Context & Note This striking composition belongs to a highly sought-after graphic cycle executed in 1996, a pivotal year in the artist's late career dedicated to exploring his profound passion for tribal art (Arman amassed one of the world's most prestigious private collections of African art). This specific aquatint directly echoes the historical international touring exhibition “Arman & l'art africain”, held between June 1996 and 1998 across institutions like the Musée d'Arts Africains de Marseille, the Musée des Arts d'Afrique et d'Océanie in Paris, and the Museum for African Art in New York. Using the rich texture of aquatint, Arman beautifully translates the sacred geometries of traditional African masks into his signature vanguard aesthetic, bridging industrial Nouveau Réalisme with ancestral forms.