Martino Dorcé Authentic Original Water Color 3 Piece Set on Pressed Paper For Sale

Delightful Martino Dorcé Haitian Art Miniature Original Water Colors on Pressed Paper

Introduction/Background:

As noted on theHaitian Artist Martino Dorcé Large Pressed Paper Watercolorlisting on this sight, these delightful miniature originals by the same artist were too hard to pass up.These exquisite original water colors on pressed paper were purchased at the same Los Angeles sale wherethe magnificent large piece was acquired in 2001.Although they are dated 1988, each was carefully preserved in an “album” of original paintings.I’m embarrassed to say that they have never been displayed.I just couldn’t pass them up, sure that I would find just the right spot for them when I returned home.I never did.My house was just too full of artwork.Truth be told, I am a spontaneous buyer, especially for something that is one-of-a-kind.Who doesn’t want to own something that is an original, gorgeous hand-painted objet de art?So, as the years passed and they stayed undisplayed on my library shelf, they were soon forgotten.It wasn’t until I was searching for a book that the beautiful paintings reappeared.

And so I offer them now to someone who will not only appreciate them, but proudly display them.The bad news is that I had completely forgotten them.The good news is that, having been undisturbed for so long, they are in the same pristine condition that they were on the day they came home with me. (Note:There is a slight indentation in one of the mattes that was there the day I purchased the piece, but I will address this in the description.)

For those unfamiliar with the artist Martino Dorcé, I highly encourage you to do your research. Born in 1943 in Port-au-Prince, a talented Martin Dorce supported himself at the age of 10 by selling his artworks to tourists at the Iron Market. Martino Dorcé attended the Ecole Nationale Tertulien Guilbaud primary school and was a student of Joseph Tony "TiTonTon" Moise, who has exhibited worldwide. Dorcé has exhibited in his native Haiti and in the US. In 2007, Dorcé illustrated the book "De'Monte Love", which tells the true story of a young boy who cares for his siblings and friends after Hurricane Katrina in 2005. Now living in California, the Artist is well recognized for his unique style in capturing the beauty of his homeland and it's people. After detailed pen and India ink drawings, he adds layers of rich watercolors until he achieves vividness not usually associated with the medium. The work of Martino Dorcé is held in numerous private collections.

The Paintings

Three paintings in all, each piece measures 5.25 inches by 7.25 inches, with a lovely cream matte that measures 2.50 inches.Each piece is hand-signed and dated (1988).The colors are still as brilliant as the day I first saw them, the trio fitting together to make a beautiful trio.I picture them in a nursery, a study, a bedroom — pretty much anywhere you can see them on a daily basis (after being ignored for so long I feel compelled that someone should see them every day!)

Piece One:Haitian Village

This piece depicts that of the “Haitian Village,” arguably Dorcé’s most sought after, esteemed subjects. The piece is composed of a pressed paper medium (giving this Martino Dorcé original work of art a highly unique texture, and lovely visual depth) - the work almost looks like that of soft cloth. While the medium there artist employs (pressed paper) to capture his beautiful theme alone is worthy of admiration, it is the ASTOUNDING array of color that Dorcé wields that makes this such a - captivating - piece. Even with my old, aged eyes the colors read as powerfully VIBRANT, almost seeming to POP from the pressed paper canvas. To best display this piece, I would highly encourage the use of bright artificial lighting directed from above. When exposed to a bright display light, well…. You get the idea!

The “layers” to this depiction of the Haitian village are truly mesmerizing. Foreground, middle ground, background… birds aligned in the same industrious manner as the Haitian villages; you can feel the bustle of activity.Haitian women in beautifully colored traditional dress balancing heavy baskets of produce atop their heads, this sea of Haitians goes about the tasks of daily life, between the mountains and tropical Palm Trees in a sea of color.

Piece Two: Bringing in the Catch

With their multicolored boats littering the shore, the young Haitian men bring in the day’s catch.Again, the colors are vibrant.The birds, so prominent in the previous Dorcé, make the three paintings so clearly a set.This one is my favorite, possibly because of the boats, or possibly just because I love the various young boys, working hard at their task, looking out to see.It is also hand signed and dated.

Piece Three:The Dance

I honestly don’t know much about Haitian dance rituals, but the movement in this piece is spectacular.Also, the orange, yellow and pink hues feel like a dance at sunset.And again, the birds drift by…As I stare at this piece I wonder what Haiti is like now, after the devastation that took place there in 2010 (and again in 2021!).It certainly is depicted in these beautiful vignettes as a magical place on earth, with it’s vibrant life and colorful culture.Note:This is the print that bears the slight indentation in the matte (see photo), in the interest of full disclosure.

Conclusion:

I truly hope these lovely paintings can find a home.I cannot split up the set (as I’ve explained, they lean on each other to create an exquisite portrait of Haitian life.They are in mint condition, with the exception of a slight indentation on one of the matts (see photo).This, however, could be easily replace for minimal cost.Or, if you’re like me, you aren’t bothered by imperfections this slight.

They will be carefully shipped in waterproof sleeves with firm cardboard backing, so they will arrive to you in the same condition they are leaving me.Take care of them.They deserve better than I gave them.

Measurements:

Each print measures 5.25 inches by 7.25 inches with a thick cream matte measuring 2.50 inches.