Untitled (Garden Lovers), Henry C. Meyer (1916–1987), c.1960s color lithograph, 12×10 in, pencil-signed, Artist’s Proof (A.P.).

Untitled (Garden Lovers), Henry C. Meyer (1916–1987), c.1960s color lithograph, 12×10 in, pencil-signed, Artist’s Proof (A.P.).

This tender mid-century color lithograph by Henry C. Meyer (1916–1987)—a signed Artist’s Proof—captures a poetic scene of two young lovers resting in a flowered meadow. Meyer’s distinctive blend of expressive linework, painterly color fields, and emotional sensitivity elevates this 12×10 inch print into a luminous example of his figurative mastery. Printed at Larchmont Studios and hand-signed by the artist, the work is a rare and intimate piece ideal for collectors of romantic, narrative, and mid-century American prints.

Artwork Description

In this evocative lithograph, Henry C. Meyer portrays a young couple reclining in a field of blue grasses and wildflowers. The woman’s gesture—calm, protective, and affectionate—frames the composition as she leans toward the boy, her fingertips gently brushing his lips. His closed eyes and relaxed posture create a serene contrast, evoking themes of innocence, trust, and youthful tenderness.

The palette is dominated by deep aqua blue, warm ochre, soft peach, and crimson-pink, blended with Meyer’s textural layering technique. These colors swirl around the figures like an emotional aura, reminiscent of both expressionist backgrounds and textile patterning—an influence of Meyer’s work as a designer.

The floral details in the foreground—white blossoms punctuated with red centers—add visual rhythm while anchoring the figures in a lush, dreamlike environment. Meyer’s expressive linework articulates anatomical subtlety, hair texture, and facial emotion while allowing the colors to carry the atmospheric mood.

Executed as a hand-drawn multi-color lithograph, the work shows classic lithographic textures: grain, layered stones, transparent washes, and dynamic overprinting. The lower left bears the notation A.P. (Artist’s Proof), indicating a highly collectible early impression reserved for the artist. The lower right carries Meyer’s flowing handwritten pencil signature, consistent with his authenticated prints. At 12 × 10 inches, this work pairs beautifully with his other intimate portrait lithographs, especially the “Flute,” “Cello,” and “Lovers” studies.

Biography of Henry C. Meyer (1916–1987)

Henry C. Meyer was an American painter, printmaker, draftsman, and textile designer whose work bridges expressive abstraction and tender figuration. Born in 1916, he received formal training at the Cooper Union Art School in New York City, where he earned the prestigious Silver Medal for excellence.

Meyer worked extensively in New York, both as a fine artist and textile designer. His design background deeply influenced his visual language—patterned surfaces, rhythmic repetition, and bold color juxtapositions appear throughout his lithographs and paintings.

During the 1960s and 1970s, Meyer created a significant body of limited-edition figurative lithographs, many produced at Larchmont Studios in Larchmont, NY. These prints explore themes of music, introspection, romantic connection, and psychological tenderness, each rendered with a modernist sensibility and rooted in strong draftsmanship.

Meyer’s exhibition record includes:
• National Gallery, Washington, D.C.
• Museum of Modern Art, New York
• Princeton University
• Suffolk Museum
• Vendome Gallery, NYC
• Contemporary Arts, NYC
• Hofstra University
• Larchmont Gallery

His awards include a Special Prize at the Decimal Triennial in Milan and a Purchase Prize from the U.S. Government. His works are held in numerous public and private collections, including:
• Suffolk Museum, Long Island
• Graphic Arts Collection, Fifth Avenue Library, NYC
• Museum of Fine Arts, Reykjavík, Iceland
• U.S. Government Art Collections

With auction-confirmed life dates (1916–1987), Meyer remains sought after for both his abstract compositions and his emotive figurative lithographs—of which this Artist’s Proof is an exceptional example.

Henry C. Meyer (American, 1916–1987), Untitled (Garden Lovers), c.1960s, color lithograph on paper, 12×10 in, pencil-signed lower right, marked A.P. A romantic mid-century portrait of two young figures reclining among flowers; a rare Artist’s Proof from Meyer’s collectible figurative lithograph series.

Certificate of Value & Authentication

Artist: Henry C. Meyer (1916–1987)
Title: Untitled (Garden Lovers)
Date: c.1960s
Medium: Color lithograph on paper
Dimensions: 12 × 10 inches
Edition: Artist’s Proof (A.P.)
Signature: Hand-signed “Henry C Meyer” in pencil, lower right; A.P. notation lower left
Technique: Multi-stone hand-drawn lithograph printed at Larchmont Studios
Condition: Excellent vintage condition with light, expected age toning

Authenticity:
Signature, marking, color layering, and stylistic features align firmly with known Meyer lithographs. This certificate affirms authenticity as an original Artist’s Proof.

Provenance Chain (Collector-Formatted)

• Henry C. Meyer (1916–1987) – artist
• Larchmont Studios, NY – original printing
• Mitch Morse Gallery, New York, NY – later acquisition
• Artfind Gallery, Washington, DC – current owner