Every year, modernist Eric Thake would send his friends a hand-made Christmas card. Original linocut prints, these cards have since become canonical, each observing a changing nation through one its most distinct voices. They also speak to Thake’s innerworld, with this particular work coming from the collection of his friend, revered writer and curator Ursula Hoff.

Dated 1956, ‘Ecstasy’ sees two sculptural figures dance until their arms break off. It is a humorous and rhythmically composed work.

Represented across numerous public collections, including at the National Gallery of Victoria, ‘Ecstasy’ is a museum-quality work. It speaks to Thake’s remarkable wit, Australian modernism and the friendship between an artist and scholar. With strikingly excellent provenance, it is a prize for collectors of modernist art.

Eric THAKE (1904 - 1982)
'Ecstasy' 1956
linocut on paper
Image Size: 22 x 13 cm
Dimensions: 22 x 26 cm overall sheet size, scored to fold
Signed: Signed and dated lower right: Eric Thake 1956; titled lower left. Inscribed reverse sheet, ink To Ursula & Mrs Hoff / With Best Wishes / for Xmas + 1957 / from / Eric & Grace Thake. Inscribed reverse sheet bottom edge, ink Corrobboree [sic] in the vaults of Russell St.
Comes with Letter of Provenance

Impressions of this work are at the:
Art Gallery of New South Wales, accession number: DA32.1967
National Gallery of Victoria, accession number: P126-1974

Condition: Excellent

© The Artist or Assignee