Cy Twombly's Natural History Part II: Some Trees Of Italy series, crafted in 1975-6, offers a captivating exploration of the botanical wonders of Italy. Through lithography, collotype, and collage techniques on Fabriano paper and semi-transparent tracing paper, Twombly brings to life the essence of various tree species found in Italy. The series invites viewers into Twombly's lyrical world of expressive abstraction and poetic introspection.
The Natural History Part II: Some Trees Of Italy series by Cy Twombly has maintained continued market appeal since its first auction appearance in 20/11/1993. With 26 total sales tracked, the series shows long-term growth and collector confidence. Peak hammer prices have reached £8,025 for top-performing works. The series ranges from £1,012 to £8,025, a variation tied to rarity, condition and impression quality, and a premium is placed on rarer variants. Factors that enhance value include condition, rarity, impression state and signature status; auction data indicate higher results for well-preserved examples. The ten-year average annual growth rate is 11.89%, reflecting appreciable long-term growth and active private market activity.
| Artwork | Auction Date | Auction House | Return to Seller | Hammer Price | Buyer Paid |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() Tilia Cordata Cy Twombly Signed Print | 21 Jun 2023 | Germann Auctions | £5,525 | £6,500 | £8,000 |
![]() Castanea Sativa Cy Twombly Signed Print | 15 Mar 2023 | Ketterer Kunst Hamburg | £3,103 | £3,650 | £5,500 |
![]() Quercus Ilex Cy Twombly Unsigned Print | 15 Mar 2023 | Sotheby's Online | £3,868 | £4,550 | £6,000 |
![]() Title Page (from Natural History Part II - Some Trees Of Italy) Cy Twombly Signed Print | 1 Jun 2021 | Artcurial | £3,570 | £4,200 | £5,500 |
![]() Fagus Silvatica Cy Twombly Signed Print | 30 Jul 2020 | Christie's New York | £5,100 | £6,000 | £8,000 |
![]() Ficus Carica Cy Twombly Signed Print | 19 Sept 2013 | Christie's London | £3,188 | £3,750 | £5,000 |
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Cy Twombly's Natural History Part II: Some Trees Of Italy series is a testament to the artist's connection to the natural world and his ability to capture its essence through his idiosyncratic artistic language. Crafted between 1975-6, these artworks serve as a homage to the rich botanical landscape of Italy, celebrating the diversity and beauty of its native tree species.
In each print of the series, Twombly employs a combination of lithography, collotype, and collage techniques to create layered compositions that evoke the sensory experience of being surrounded by lush foliage. Through frenetic scribbles and gestural linework, Twombly captures the dynamic energy and vitality of the natural world, inviting viewers to immerse themselves in the rhythmic patterns and textures of his lyrical abstractions.
The use of semi-transparent tracing paper adds depth and dimension to Twombly's compositions, allowing glimpses of underlying layers to shine through, much like sunlight filtering through the leaves of a dense forest. Each artwork in the series offers a unique perspective on the individual characteristics and personalities of the featured tree species, from the sturdy majesty of the oak to the delicate elegance of the linden.
Through his sensitive exploration of form, texture, and colour, Twombly invites viewers to contemplate the beauty and fragility of nature, as well as their own place within the larger ecological tapestry. The series serves as a poetic meditation on the interconnectedness of all living things, reminding us of the profound symbiotic relationship between humanity and the natural world.