Sleeping Fires

Ronald Brooks Kitaj RA (1932-2007)

A super original lithograph on paper by the late R B Kitaj R.A.

Sleeping Fires, catalogue Raisonee Ramkalawon 2013 200 & Kinsman 87 –  Printed by Ernie Donagh, London. Published by Petersburg Press, London on Richard de Bas Auvergne rouge brique hand made laid paper

Signed in pencil, denoted artists proof AP xviii/xx, the work dates from 1975.  The edition size was 75 (with 20 artist proofs)

It can be found in the collection of the British Museum, the British Council and in other national museum collections.

The composition is of a nude female seated across a table from a male figure, their heads partially obscured with cross hatching. It reflects his interest in the human form, as many of his works produced with Petersburg press did. At this period in his career, Kitaj was a passionate advocate of figurative art.  The Arts Council invited him to curate an exhibition on this theme in 1976, the year after this print was made.  He included work by his close friends including David Hockney, Francis Bacon and Lucien Freud.

Measurements: 52 x 39 cm sheet

Condition: The condition is overall excellent, the work has no signs of being previously framed. There is a very light and small crease to the upper right hand margin which is almost invisible from the front, Photograph shows it from the back. It is not significant.

This work has now been sold