Marco A. Tricca
American, born Italy, 1880 - 1969Portrait of the Artist, ca. 1932
Not on view
Monotype on paper
Dimensions6 7/8 × 6 15/16 in. (17.5 × 17.6 cm)
Image: 5 5/8 × 5 11/16 in. (14.3 × 14.4 cm)
Gift of Mr. Jack B. Pierson in memory of Mr. Robert Martin Purcell, 1979.188
Marco Tricca’s colorful self-portrait illustrates the artist in three-quarter view within his studio. Tricca’s portrait is an example of monotype printing, considered the simplest and most direct method of the various printing processes. Monotypes are created by applying ink that is rolled, brushed, and manipulated directly onto a metal or Plexiglas plate, then transferred onto paper either by burnishing by hand or by the use of a press. Monotypes are unique images because only one or two impressions can be made before the ink is consumed. The second impression is referred to as a "ghost" or "cognate,” usually much lighter or thinner in density, and is more of a suggestion of the first. Each impression is considered a finished work, which can be further enhanced by the application of additional drawing or color.
