Antonio Saura

Discusses the book Antonio Saura: l Oeuvre Imprimé (Geneva: Patrick Cramer, 2000) on the work of the Spanish artist (b.1930). The author notes the relative lack of recognition accorded to Saura s work, compares the style and subject matter of his work with that of Frank Auerbach, and assesses the influence of Picasso on Saura. He describes the Surrealist nature of Saura's work, outlines his relation to the COBRA group, and examines his use of studios in Cuenca, Spain, Paris, and Madrid. He comments on Saura s destruction of 100 paintings in 1968, studies his continued production of graphic art, and highlights the inclusion of 627 printed works in the book. He reveals the influence of literature and political causes on Saura's work, describes his contribution of three lithographs to the United Nations, and considers the artist s screenprint Tejero (1981) relating to the Spanish Constitution. He focuses on Saura's love of books, assesses the catalogue's inclusion and exclusion of texts from its consideration of Saura's work, and concludes by stating that the book provides a valuable overview of the artist's printed works.