This is a superb original signed and numbered limited edition color lithograph by acclaimed American Social Realist Artist JACK LEVINE (American, 1915-2010), dated 1967.

Born and raised in the south end of Boston, Jack Levine created social satirical pieces exposing the foibles and venal sins of mobsters and politicians, underworld characters whose actions are obviously insincere. He also satirized the middle class and created paintings of Biblical subjects. He enrolled in art classes at the Museum Fine Arts School of Boston and came under the influence of Dr. Denman Ross of Harvard University who, recognizing talent, gave him free art lessons. Levine was especially interested in the Old Masters at the Fogg Museum at Harvard. In 1935, he became a W.P.A. artist, using his experience growing up in a lower class neighborhood in his subject matter. He developed a modern Social Realism while borrowing from the techniques of Rembrandt and El Greco, something he calls "Old Master Pudding." He also learned methods from satirists Honore Daumier, Francisco Goya, and George Grosz. Levine's technique was to apply slashing strokes of color in thin layers of oil and then glaze, making his surfaces sparkle. His lampoons of rich people were especially suited to this method because their skin glitters and seems to corrode with light. Memberships include the National Institute of Arts and Letters and the American Academy of Arts and Letters.

This original color lithograph is entitled "Reception in Miami" (Prescott 41), and is signed in gold yellow chalk by the artist on the front lower center "J. Levine". It is also numbered "68/120", from the total limited edition of only 120 impressions printed on Arches watermarked 100% rag paper. It was published by A. Lublin, Inc., New York, and printed by Atelier Mourlot, Paris. This print is based on the 1948 painting of the same name. The imagery, reversed in the print, stems from a visit to Miami by the Duke and Duchess of Windsor, as reported by columnist Earl Wilson. Levine was moved to action by the way "our co-nationals began to scrape and bow" as they greeted the honored guests. He felt "it was a kind of violation of everything that the Declaration of Independence and Constitution stand for." A somewhat mellowed artist now admits reluctantly that perhaps there is room for such courtesy in this world. It measures 21 ½" x 29 ¾" and is unframed. It is in good condition aside from former tape hinge remains on the verso. PROVENANCE: Sotheby Parke Bernet, Los Angeles, June 25, 1979. Authenticity is GUARANTEED. Current gallery retail: $3,500. Shipping is $45.00 within the US only, please email for international shipping rates. Please view my eBay store for additional museum quality fine art and collectibles.