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 We are pleased to offer and make available to you this unique, one-of-a-kind, oil painting on canvas by Sunol Alvar. The painting measures 31 1/2" x 39 3/8" (80 x 100 cm) and is $30,000. The beautiful frame is 4" wide. The painting is heavily textured and came from an exhibition in Gothenburg, Sweden in the 1970s. Would you like to display this original Alvar in your home or office? If so, just email us for more information! |
| Alvar came
to the United States to open the extraordinary
exhibition of paintings, watercolors, drawings,
sculpture, and limited edition embossed lithographs
Sunday, November 2, 2003 at Saper Galleries in East
Lansing, Michigan. Click here to see pictures
from Alvar's visit to America! Saper Galleries has carried the limited edition lithographs of Sunol Alvar since the 1970s. After our new gallery was built in 1986 we featured Alvar as our second major one-person exhibition. We have a long tradition of representing the world's finest artists, and we're proud that Alvar has always been a hallmark in the Saper Galleries collection. Although most of the Alvars shown below are displayed in our East Lansing, Michigan gallery today and are available for immediate delivery anywhere in the world, there is a chance that an image of interest to you may be on reserve or now be sold. Before traveling to East Lansing feel free to contact us to learn of the present inventory. The photographs shown below are of the actual Alvars in our inventory. |
 Alvar
and Roy Saper in front of Saper Galleries' front
entrance.
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Polished bronze sculpture, 166/225 $3,500 (Note: $1,000 less than full $4,500 value!)
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Alvar Sunol Munoz-Ramos was born on January
20, 1935 in Montgat, a Catalan fishing village on the
outskirts of Barcelona, Spain. Sunol Alvar grew
up on the sunny Mediterranean coast with his father
Tomas, mother Antonia and his older brother and
sister, Jordi and Amadea. Showing a great
artistic talent as a youth, he attended the
prestigious Sant Jordi Art School in Barcelona at age
16.
At age 18, Alvar won the Alhambra de Granada grant, a summer scholarship that allowed him to travel and paint throughout Spain. This was the birth of Alvar's style and the laying of the technical foundation that would accompany him over the following years. Alvar returned home and entered a painting in competition for the Young Painter's Prize sponsored by the City of Barcelona. He won the Grand Prize and the painting was acquired by the Museum of Modern Art in Barcelona for its permanent collection. In 1957, at age 22, Alvar gave his first one-man show at the Galleries Layetana in Barcelona. The exhibit was a great success and Alvar received many invitations for shows in other Spanish cities. He entered one of his canvasses for the annual painting competition at the French Institute of Barcelona. He again won the Grand Prize, and with it a study trip to Paris. Alvar arrived in Paris to paint in 1959. He met Juan Fuentes, a fellow Spaniard and director of the prestigious Gallery Drouant. Fuentes brought Alvar's first group of Paris oil paintings to the gallery. All of the paintings sold in one week. He was subsequently invited to join the celebrated School of Paris, a group of the top young artists in Paris, organized by the distinguished Charpentier Gallery. Alvar returned to Barcelona in 1960 to marry his childhood sweetheart, Rosella Berenguer. They returned to Paris and lived there for the next ten years. His paintings were exhibited in the United States for the first time at the Monede Gallery, New York city, in 1962. Alvar produced his first original lithographs for a one-man show at Gallery Drouant in 1963. In 1970, Alvar and Rosella left Paris and returned to their beloved Spain to raise their three young children. He has lived there ever since. Sunol Alvar has exhibited regularly throughout the world over the years. His highly prized lithographs were honored with an exhibition at the Hyacinth Rigand Museum in Perpignan, France. The Utah Museum of Fine Art, Salt Lake City, Utah and the Wichita Art Museum in Wichita, Kansas have held major exhibits of his lithographs, paintings and sculptures. Following the great tradition
of other great Spanish painters of the 20th Century,
including Joan Miro, Pablo Picasso and Salvador
Dali, the unique and distinctive artwork of Alvar
Sunol Munoz-Ramos has taken a revered spot in the
history and iconography of our times.
This 96-page book includes
65 color images of Alvar's favorite lithographs.
If you love Alvar's lithographs, you'll
definitely want this book. It measures 12-5/8 x
9-1/8" and is available from Saper Galleries for $200
plus shipping. Feel free to contact us to see if
the Alvar you own is illustrated!
 Just announced!
Published in 2005 is "Alvar in Color and Poetry", a 109-page book featuring images of 20 of Alvar's recent oil paintings and seven poems by Marjorie Agosin. The cloth-bound book is $225 plus shipping. Please inquire about additional details!
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| Alvar's
lithographs abound with symbols and motifs. Lithography,
from the Greek words for "stone" and "writing", is a
type of printmaking using metal plates or the surface of
a large flat limestone. When making a lithograph
Alvar uses a grease crayon to draw directly onto zinc
plates, adding the colors successively to the evolving
image by using a separate zinc plate for each
color. Some lithographs have required as many as
14 colors, each of which requires its own zinc plate and
drawing. Alvar will usually spend an entire
afternoon printing a single color, experimenting with
the ink to achieve the desired results. At each
stage of the process Alvar makes artistic decisions and
retains a firm mental image of the completed work, as
lithography requires a deep understanding of the
materials, color theory and application, how to reserve
white space, and modifications according to what occurs
within each step of the process. |
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| The
four images below are each from the rare, long
sold out Allegories of the Arts
suite by Alvar. The suite is in perfect, new
condition and comes with the original portfolio
that encases the set of four embossed
lithographs. For more details, please contact
us now! Only one suite is available. |
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 Painting |
 Music |
 Architecture |
 Dance |
 Le Jour Pair of embossed lithographs, 20 x 26" Both numbered 7/200 $6,000 for the pair |
 La Nuit Pair of embossed lithographs, 20 x 26" Both numbered 7/200 $6,000 for the pair |
 Les temp de nos jours -- Morning Suite of four embossed lithographs, 26 x 20" Each annotated HC $12,000 for the suite of 4 |
 Les temp de nos jours -- Evening Suite of four embossed lithographs, 26 x 20" Each annotated HC $12,000 for the suite of 4 |
 Les temp de nos jours -- Afternoon Suite of four embossed lithographs, 26 x 20" Each annotated HC $12,000 for the suite of 4 |
 Les temp de nos jours -- Noon Suite of four embossed lithographs, 26 x 20" Each annotated HC $12,000 for the suite of 4 |
 Suite Biblique II -- Finding Moses Suite of four embossed lithographs, 24 x 31 1/2" Each signed and annotated HC by the artist $8,000 for the suite of 4 ($8,000 less than full $16,000 market value) |
 Suite Biblique II -- The Exodus Suite of four embossed lithographs, 24 x 31 1/2" Each signed and annotated HC by the artist $8,000 for the suite of 4 ($8,000 less than full $16,000 market value) |
 Suite Biblique II -- Joseph Interprets Pharoah's Dream Suite of four embossed lithographs, 31 1/2 x 24" Each signed and annotated HC by the artist $8,000 for the suite of 4 ($8,000 less than full $16,000 market value) |
 Suite Biblique II -- Samson and Delilah Suite of four embossed lithographs, 31 1/2 x 24" Each signed and annotated HC by the artist $8,000 for the suite of 4 ($8,000 less than full $16,000 market value) |
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 Concierto Sobre Mesa Original embossed lithograph with unique drawing Numbered 119/150 Paper size: 22 1/2 x 30" $3,000 ($1,000 less than full $4,000 value) |
 Blau Sinfonia Original embossed lithograph with water-colored border 130/200, 20 x 29" Sorry, sold for $2,200 |
 Estimant la Natura Original embossed 14-color lithograph with water-colored border 200/200, 25 x 30" Sorry, sold |
 Blava taula Mexicana Original embossed lithograph with unique watercolored panel Limited edition of 250 Paper size: 36 1/2 x 25.6" $1,500 unframed The subject is a poetic mixture of elements drawn from the Mexican folktales. A female figure is at the head of the table, protectively holding a slice of watermelon in her hands as a symbol of the traditional and shared food. Across the bottom there are allegorical drawings and watercolors relating to the theme of traditional Mexican motifs. |
 Composicio Entorn del Poble Original embossed lithograph with water-colored panel 150/150, 30 x 22" Sorry, sold for $3,500 in finished-corner carved frame (Full value was $4,800 framed) |
 Dialeg Sobre Taula Original embossed lithograph in 14 colors with unique watercolored section Paper size: 25.2 x 30.2" $1,250 unframed |
 La Pintora Mexicana Original embossed lithograph in 14 colors with unique watercolored panel Limited edition of 200 Paper size: 22.8 x 29.6" $2,900 unframed Alvar recreates memories of a long and fruitful stay in the Mexican countryside by including many bright and traditional symbols set against his own artistic vision. A large area of embossing created by Alvar acts as the backdrop for the village's setting. |
 Les Portadores de Natures (The Nature Bearers) Original embossed lithograph in 14 colors with unique watercolored panel Limited edition of 250 Paper size: 25.2 x 34.4" $1,400 unframed Alvar uses images observed in Mexican markets to portray a poetic vision spanning the universal world of nature and world culture, symbolized by the offering of baskets of flowers and fruits, to a figure leaning reflectively against a classic-style architectural element. Celebrating the awakening of the earth into a season of colors and bounty, this limited edition lithograph echoes nature and its essence of beauty. |
 Les Muses de l'artista (Muses of the Artist) Original embossed lithograph in 14 colors with unique watercolored panel Limited edition of 250 Paper size: 34.4 x 25.2" $1,500 unframed In Greek mythology the Muses are goddesses who inspired and protected the arts, sciences and letters. In this work they are shown presiding over the process of artistic creation in its various manifestations: the dove, the laurel leaves and the candle which, respectively, symbolize spiritual peace, the glory of victory and the inspirational flame, allegorically depicted as elements that underlie artistic creation. |
 Concierto de Amanecer (Concert of Dawn) Original embossed lithograph in 14 colors with unique watercolored panel (cropped from photo above) from the Concierto Suite of 4 Paper size: 31.5 x 23.6" Only one left of this sold out lithograph. Please call to claim it! Inspired by the "Morning Mood" suite from Edvard Grieg's 'Peer Gynt' musical composition, this work is a hymn to the sunrise, which is represented by a figure with her arms open embracing the first rays of sunshine that are slowly awakening nature. |
 Concierto de Mediodia (Concert of Noon) Original embossed lithograph in 14 colors with unique watercolored panel from the Concierto Suite of 4 Paper size: 23.6 x 31.5" Sorry, sold out and no longer available. Colors, nature and life are in full activity during the middle of the day– like the force unleashed in Ludwig van Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony, the composition of which is the musical reference for this lithograph. The sun, located in the center, presides over and organizes all the elements in the composition. Under the sun is a vase with flowers, also the product of nature, where a fragment of the painting “The Angelus” by the French painter Jean-Francois Millet is represented. It is an allusion to a religious tradition by peasants that survived until the past century consisting of stopping work at twelve noon (the hour of Angelus) to say a prayer. |
| The complete suite of four
(two above, two below) is available at $12,000
unframed with the Collector's Edition Portfolio
including four poems by Daniel Silva accented by a
lithograph and four additional black and white
lithographs all in a burgundy portfolio case.
There
is only one complete portfolio left! |
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 Concierto de Noche (Concert of Night) Original embossed lithograph in 14 colors with unique watercolored panel from the Concierto Suite of 4 Paper size: 23.6 x 31.5" Only one left of this sold out lithograph. Please call to claim it! Chopin’s Nocturnes are some of his most celebrated works. His Nocturne No.1 is the musical reference for this fourth lithograph within the “Concert of the Hours of the Day” suite. This composition represents a piano concerto. Next to the pianist there appears a figure eluding to George Sand who is holding laurel leaves symbolizing the inspiration of the artist, whose portrait (extracted from a portrait of Chopin by the French painter Delacroix) appears in the lithograph. Being a nocturne, the chromatic range in the work consists predominately of blue tones, dominated by the brilliance of the lunar light in an atmosphere of seclusion and intimacy. |
 Concierto de Tarde (Concert of Evening) Original embossed lithograph in 14 colors with unique watercolored panel from the Concierto Suite of 4 Paper size: 31.5 x 23.6" Only one left of this sold out lithograph. Please call to claim it! The music from Albinoni's "Adagio" is restful and meditative. For this reason the chromatic composition of this lithograph uses colors that evoke the tonalities of colors stained by an evening sun just before turning to night and subsequently becoming the new day. On the right margin of the composition is a figure that is taking in the aroma of the fruits and flowers near him. Earth, trees and flowers all give their most intense aromas at sunset. |
 Concierto en las Horas del Dia Bronze sculpture Edition of 50 15" diameter and 3" tall $11,500 |
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| Inspired by the
united narrative within the Concierto En Las Horas
Del Dia suite of lithographs, Alvar translated the
lithographs into a limited edition bronze bowl
sculpture. Known as the "Master of all Mediums",
he seized the challenge to incorporate each image into
one seamless object. All emotions encompassed in the
work of art, outstandingly capture the mood of the
moment during the hours of the day starting with the
morning and ending at night. |
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 Concert de Violi (from the Musical Suite) Original embossed lithograph in 14 colors Paper size: 25.25 x 19" Sorry, sold for $1,500 for the pair unframed |
 Musica per el Colom (from the Musical Suite) Original embossed lithograph in 14 colors Limited edition of 250 Paper size: 25.25 x 19" $700 Alvar's creative embossing design exists as a resting place for his subject to recline while playing the flute. An onlooker serenely relaxes while listening to music as the sun moves from late day to evening. The peaceful nature of this lithograph provides a meditative-like quality. |
 Maternity in the Village (Maternitat En El Poble) Original embossed lithograph from the suite of two Limited edition of 250 Paper size: 14.5 x 21.5" $600 unframed or $1,200 for the pair |
 Maternity, Nature and Peace (Maternitat, Natura I Pau) Original embossed lithograph from the suite of two Limited edition of 250 Paper size: 21.5 x 14.5" $600 unframed or $1,200 for the pair |
| The Suite Maternitat
lithographs show parents and child along with
Alvar’s allegorical representation of community,
peace, and nourishment. Warm colors compose
the image with a symbol of peace in a cooling
blue. Distinctive embossing adds texture and
visual impact. |
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 Solo (from the Lyric Suite) Original embossed lithograph, 154/275 Paper size: 24.5 x 32" $5,500 for the suite of four lithographs (This same suite is in the Wharton Center at Mich St Univ.) |
 Duo (from the Lyric Suite) Original embossed lithograph, 154/275 Paper size: 32 x 24.5" $5,500 for the suite of four lithographs (The original portfolio box accompanies the suite of 4.) |
 Trio (from the Lyric Suite) Original embossed lithograph, 154/275 Paper size: 24.5 x 32" $5,500 for the suite of four lithographs (Accompanying the suite are four poems about the images.) |
 Quartet (from the Lyric Suite) Original embossed lithograph, 154/275 Paper size: 32 x 24.5" $5,500 for the suite of four lithographs (The 4 lithographs are not available individually.) |
Note: We also have record of sellers interested in parting with their five-image Mythological Suites. Please let us know should you wish more information about them! |
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 Contemplacio Oil painting on canvas 32 x 39 3/8" Sold for $36,000 framed |
 Interior Azul Oil painting on canvas 32 x 39 1/2" Sold for $36,000 framed |
 Le Grand Bouquet Oil painting on canvas 25 1/2 x 32" Sold for $27,000 framed |
Saper Galleries....where excellence
is the standard!
433 Albert Avenue East Lansing, Michigan 48823 USA (517)351-0815
