Tales of Genji i 1998 by Helen Frankenthaler
Tales Of Genji I
A striking 1998 woodcut by Helen Frankenthaler, capturing the fluidity of color and form that defined her late career. This framed print brings the energy of Abstract Expressionism to your space with vibrant hues and dynamic composition.
The Story Behind Tales Of Genji I
Helen Frankenthaler created Tales Of Genji I in 1998 as part of her late-career exploration of woodcut printing. This period saw the artist returning to printmaking with renewed vigor, building upon techniques she had pioneered decades earlier. The work's fluid interlacing of color fields demonstrates Frankenthaler's mastery of the woodcut medium, where she achieved luminous effects through layering and subtraction.
Inspired by the 11th-century Japanese novel The Tale of Genji, this print distills literary narrative into pure visual poetry. Frankenthaler's abstract forms evoke the novel's themes of transience and beauty without literal representation. The woodcut's textural qualities come from the artist's innovative use of hand-carved blocks and experimental ink applications.
Frankenthaler's Printmaking Legacy
By the late 1990s when she created Tales Of Genji I, Helen Frankenthaler had already transformed American printmaking. Her early experiments with woodcuts in the 1970s broke conventional boundaries, and this late work shows her continued innovation. The print belongs to a series where Frankenthaler reinterpreted classical themes through her signature abstract language.
What distinguishes this woodcut is its architectural quality—the way color fields interlock like perfectly fitted stones. The artist achieved this through meticulous block preparation and proofing processes that could involve dozens of iterations. Each impression became a unique event on paper.
Editor's InsightThe interwoven color planes in Tales Of Genji I reveal Frankenthaler's deep engagement with the woodcut medium's physicality. This isn't merely an image transferred to paper—it's a record of pressure and pigment working together.
The Making of Tales Of Genji I
Color and Form
The work's visual impact comes from Frankenthaler's strategic use of positive and negative space. She carved away areas of the woodblock to create luminous voids, then layered translucent inks to achieve depth. This interplay between presence and absence gives the composition its rhythmic quality.
Material Innovation
For this series, Frankenthaler employed a technique where she would ink the blocks with rollers rather than brushes, allowing for more controlled applications. The resulting surfaces have a velvety texture that catches light differently from various angles, making each viewing experience unique.
Print & Frame Details
| Artist | Helen Frankenthaler |
| Original Year | 1998 |
| Art Style | Abstract Expressionism |
| Subject Matter | Abstract composition |
| Size | 30×40 cm (12×16") |
| Print Method | Framed Poster |
| Paper | 300 gsm archival cotton rag |
| Frame | Solid wood with UV-protective glazing |
| Glazing | UV-protective plexiglass |
| Shipping | Free worldwide shipping |
| Returns | 30-day return policy |
Own This Abstract Woodcut
Bring home Helen Frankenthaler's masterful Tales Of Genji I as a museum-quality framed print. Each piece arrives ready to hang with free worldwide shipping and our 30-day satisfaction guarantee.
View Print DetailsInterior Design Guide
This 30×40 cm (12×16") print makes a striking statement in both contemporary and traditional spaces. The woodcut's organic forms complement mid-century modern interiors, while its literary inspiration suits more classical environments. For optimal display, consider positioning it at eye level in a well-lit area where the textural qualities can be appreciated. The neutral palette with warm undertones pairs beautifully with earth-toned décor while adding visual interest to minimalist spaces.
Is the frame included with the print?
Yes, each print comes with a premium frame included. The frame is crafted from sustainably sourced wood and features archival-quality materials.
Do you offer free worldwide shipping?
Yes, we offer free worldwide shipping on every order, with no minimum purchase required. Delivery typically takes 5–10 business days.
How long will the colors in my print remain vibrant?
Our prints use archival inks and museum-quality paper, ensuring vibrant colors for over 100 years under normal lighting conditions.
What is your return policy?
We offer a 30-day return policy. If you're not completely satisfied with your print, you may return it within 30 days of delivery for a full refund.
What sizes are available for this print?
This print is available in three sizes: 30×40 cm (12×16 in), 50×60 cm (20×24 in), and 70×90 cm (28×36 in).
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Own Tales Of Genji I as a framed art print with free worldwide shipping. Each piece arrives ready to hang with museum-quality materials and our 30-day satisfaction guarantee.
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