Ève 1959

This elegant 1959 lithograph, Ève (“Eve”), exemplifies the refined graphic style of Tsugouharu Foujita, the Japanese-born artist who became a central figure of the Parisian avant-garde. Renowned for his delicate ink-like lines, subtle tonal restraint, and distinctive fusion of Eastern calligraphic sensitivity with Western figurative tradition, Foujita developed a visual language instantly recognizable.

In this work, Eve is depicted as both classical archetype and modern poetic figure. The softly outlined nude form, combined with the symbolic apple held across her torso, evokes the biblical narrative while maintaining a quiet intimacy rather than dramatic storytelling. Foujita avoids theatrical excess, focusing instead on grace, balance, and psychological stillness.

The lithograph’s restrained palette — particularly the muted green ground — enhances the ethereal quality of the figure. This background acts almost like a wash of atmosphere, allowing the fine black line to dominate the composition. Foujita’s celebrated “milk-skin” effect, achieved through careful tonal subtlety, gives the figure a luminous presence without heavy modeling.

Created during the mature phase of his career, Ève reflects Foujita’s enduring fascination with femininity, purity, and symbolic beauty. His approach transforms a familiar subject into something contemplative and timeless, emphasizing elegance over narrative drama.

Today, this lithograph stands as a refined example of Foujita’s late graphic work — understated yet evocative — capturing the artist’s unique ability to merge myth, modernity, and delicate visual poetry into a singular artistic voice.

Original Lithograph

Nude

On Japanese paper and signed in the plate

Good condition