Marie Čermínová (Toyen; 1902-1980),Three Graces

color heliogravure, heavyweight velin paper, 45 x 37 cm in passe-partout binding (plate imprint visible), numbered in pencil 2/150, signed from plate under composition facsimile of Toyen's signature, publisher's dry stamp l. d. : letter K surrounded by the words "EDITION LIMITED CERTIFIED ARTS USA EUROPE SINCE 1998".
Original certificate.
Toyen (actually Marie Čermínová, 1902-1980) was a Czech painter and one of the best-known figures of Surrealism in Central Europe. She was known for her unusual style, which combined elements of surrealism, eroticism and symbolism. Toyen's works often explore themes of dreams, fantasy and the human psyche, and her art is full of mysterious and poetic motifs. Toyen was one of the few women working at such a high level in the Surrealist movement. Her work, exploring issues of eroticism, sex, the subconscious and daydreams, stood out from other artists in the movement. Although for years her work was less well known than that of some of her male colleagues, today she is considered a key figure in Surrealism and one of the most important artists of the 20th century.
This painting depicts three women in extravagant, stylized outfits and hats, with a group of seated men in elegant suits below them. The work is characterized by: stylization and decoration: the figures are simplified, with expressive lines and ornaments, indicating the influence of art déco aesthetics, and a surreal atmosphere: the composition appears to be a theatrical stage or a symbolic representation that may have a hidden meaning.
Toyen has often explored themes of femininity, gender identity and the dynamics of gender relations. In this work, attention is drawn to the contrast between the proud, upright female figures and the men seated below, which may suggest a consideration of social roles and power relations.
The work has been interpreted as social satire or a reflection on conventions. The presence of fans, hats and elegant clothes introduces an element of playing with convention - it is possible that the artist was playing with the forms and symbolic meanings of the objects.