Prestopino, Gregorio (American, 1907-1984). LA ITALIANA. Color woodcut on paper, c. 1940s-50s. Edition of 48, signed and numbered 20/48. 21 7/8 x 29 7/8 inches, 556 x 785 mm. In excellent condition.
Although this copy is untitled, we have seen another copy with the title "La Italiana" written in pencil by the artist.
Prestopino, like Ben Shahn and many others, continued to work in the realistic and figurative traditions of Social Realism even after the fashion had shifted toward abstraction, expressionism, and "Pop Art." Although the Whitney and MoMA have his work in their collections, he is overdue for re-assessment, as there has not been a retrospective of his work since 1985.
