Is Childbirth under copyright?

Yes, this artwork is still under copyright.

Order a reproduction of Childbirth

Home
Print on canvas
André Masson
Childbirth

Buy Painting

Buy Image

Send

WhatsApp
Telegram
Facebook
X (Twitter)
Pinterest
LinkedIn
Reddit

Link copied!

Details

Add to favorites Remove from favorites

Childbirth

Lithograph
Other
Surrealism
1955
53.0 x 44.0 cm
Tate Modern

Explore the primal energy of André Masson's Surrealist lithograph, Childbirth (1955), capturing raw vulnerability and subconscious force; discover this masterpiece today.

Explore André Masson's art: Surrealist pioneer known for automatic drawing & sand paintings. Discover his influence on abstract expressionism & evocative themes of violence, eroticism & metamorphosis.

Giclée / Art Print

Museum-quality giclée or canvas print with fast production and flexible finish options.

Buy Painting

Buy Image

Medium
Size
Frame
Options

Print on Cotton Glossy Canvas

Print on Matt Cotton Canvas

Print on Matt Paper

Print on Paper with Frame and Glass

Canvas Rolled in a tube Free

Stretched

Framed

Framed with Antique Wood Gesso

White $1

Blurside $1

Extended $1

P118B $10

P118H $10

P118W $10

P438Z $10

P508JH $12

P508YH $12

P805H $10

P805Z $10

P919BZ $10

P919G $10

P919XJ $10

P959ZH $10

P968JZ $12

W106C $8

W218G $10

W218JH $8

W218Y $10

W307PJ $10

W316G $10

W316PJ $8

W316Y $10

W398PJ $8

W4111J $10

W500HY $15

W500JH $15

W692G $12

W849H $8

W940BG $15

W953PJ $8

H24-GOLD $40

H24-SILVER $40

H36-GOLD $60

H36-SILVER $60

Framed

Description from JS

Standard custom

Standard

custom

CM INCH

INCH

Pick from our preset sizes that match the artwork's original proportions.

choose size

Loading sizes...

width

height

You may enter your own dimensions to fit a specific frame or space. If your selected size does not match the original image's proportions, we will either crop the artwork or extend the image with a mirrored or solid-fill edge. A digital mockup will be sent for your approval before production begins.
Please note that the on-screen preview does not reflect the actual cropping or extension. Only the mockup will accurately show the final composition.
While custom sizes are available, we recommend selecting a dimension from the predefined list to preserve the original proportions.

No Glossy Varnish

Add Glossy Varnish (enhances colors, protects against light/moisture) + $15

No Artwork Nameplate

Engraved bronze plaque displaying artist name and translated painting title. Size: 9x2 cm. + $10

Transparent acrylic plaque with black UV-engraved artwork informations and QR code. Size: 10x15 cm. + $30

Black acrylic plaque featuring white engraved text with artwork informations and QR code. Size: 10x15 cm. + $30

Engraved Bronze Plaque Details

This elegant plaque features the artist's name and the title of the artwork, finely engraved for a timeless presentation.

It is made from bronze with a refined, elegant finish. The text is precisely laser-engraved for a sharp and permanent result. Measuring 9x2 cm, the plaque is compact yet easy to read. It's built to be durable and scratch-resistant, offering a professional, museum-quality look. Mounting is simple thanks to the included adhesive backing.

Transparent Acrylic Plaque Details

The plaque includes essential engraved details such as the artist's name, the title of the artwork, the date it was created, the type of media used-like oil on canvas or watercolor-a brief description of the piece, and a QR code that links to the complete artwork information.

It is crafted from clear acrylic, offering a sleek, modern appearance. The text is UV-engraved in black to ensure strong visual contrast. With a size of 10x15 cm, it ensures optimal readability. It comes equipped with two metal hooks for secure wall mounting. The plaque is designed to be weather-resistant, making it suitable for various environments, and it includes interactive features that work seamlessly with smartphone scanning.

Black Acrylic Plaque Details

This elegant plaque includes engraved information such as the artist's name, the title of the artwork, the date it was created, the type of media used (like oil on canvas or watercolor), a short description of the artwork, and a QR code for quick access to more information.

The plaque itself is made from refined black acrylic with a premium finish. The text is laser-engraved in white for high contrast and readability. Its size is 10x15 cm, designed to be easy to read. It comes with two metal hooks for professional mounting. The design is sleek and fits any interior style. It is also weather-resistant and durable, with built-in digital integration for mobile compatibility.

Need It Urgently? + $30

Worldwide Delivery () in 2 weeks instead of standard 4/5 weeks. (5 July)

Free Worldwide Express Shipping

High-Quality Linen Canvas

Full Shipping Insurance

Customs Tax Refund Guarantee

True Color Matching Guarantee

60-Day Return Policy (Defects Only)

100% Money-Back Guarantee

Bulk Discount Offer

-

ExclamationCircle Glass option is only available in size under 110 CM

Childbirth

Giclée / Art Print

Reproduction Size

-

Reproduction Frame

-

ExclamationCircle For artworks or reproductions larger than 105 cm (approximately 41 inches) on any side, the frame will be shipped as a ready-to-assemble kit. This method ensures safe delivery and prevents damage during transport.

All solid wood bars are included, precisely cut to size.
Easy to assemble using the provided screws - no glue needed.
Assembly guide included; setup takes under 10 minutes with a standard screwdriver.

Important:
Tightening the canvas on the assembled frame may require a canvas stretching plier tool, which is not included in the kit. This tool helps ensure proper tension and a professional finish.

Nameplate

-

Protective Varnish

Glossy Varnish (enhances colors, protects against light/moisture)

-

Urgent

Delivery in less than 3 weeks instead of standard 4/5 weeks. No compromise on quality.

-

Express Shipping

Worldwide Delivery () in 4/5 weeks. (12 July).

Included

Total Price

-

Quick Facts

Artistic style: Abstract Expressionism
Year: 1955
Subject or theme: Birth
Dimensions: 53 x 44 cm
Influences: Cubism
Title: Childbirth
Notable elements or techniques: Automatic drawing

Art Quiz

There is only one correct answer for each question.

Question 1:

In what year was André Masson's lithograph 'Childbirth' created?

1920

1955

1987

Question 2:

What artistic technique did André Masson heavily utilize, which involved allowing the unconscious mind to guide his hand?

Impressionism

Cubism

Automatic drawing

Question 3:

The Surrealist movement, which influenced 'Childbirth,' sought to liberate art from what?

Mythological themes

Conventional constraints

Muted grey tones

Question 4:

What do the scattered stars in the artwork primarily symbolize, according to the description?

Impending doom

Hope amidst darkness and celestial influence

Physical distress

Question 5:

The subject matter of 'Childbirth' primarily evokes themes related to:

Urban industrialization

Fertility, vulnerability, and rebirth

Portraiture in formal settings

Collectible Description

André Masson: Exploring the Primordial Landscape of Surrealism

André Masson’s “Childbirth,” created in 1955, stands as a testament to the enduring fascination with primal imagery and the transformative power of automatic drawing within the Surrealist movement. This lithograph on paper captures a moment of profound vulnerability and symbolic resonance—a woman lying horizontally, bathed in muted grey tones, embodying both gestation and the inherent anxieties surrounding childbirth. Masson’s masterful use of undulating lines and swirling forms transcends mere representation; it seeks to evoke the subconscious forces shaping human experience.

A Pioneer of Automatism

Masson was undeniably a vanguard of Surrealist experimentation, championed by Antonin Artaud and Jean Dubuffet among others. His technique—automatic drawing—involved relinquishing conscious control over the creative process, allowing the unconscious mind to dictate the hand’s movements. This method aimed to bypass rational thought and tap into deeper reservoirs of emotion and instinct, mirroring the Surrealists' desire to liberate art from conventional constraints. The resulting artwork is imbued with a palpable energy, reflecting the artist’s engagement with primal forces and anxieties—themes central to Surrealist philosophy.

Symbolism Rooted in Myth and Ritual

The composition itself speaks volumes about Masson’s symbolic preoccupations. The woman's posture represents not only pregnancy but also the vulnerability inherent in creation – a mirroring of myths surrounding fertility and rebirth. Scattered stars, prominently positioned on her body and encircling the scene, symbolize hope amidst darkness and represent celestial influence over human destiny. Furthermore, the descending star-shaped object above her head embodies an unsettling suggestion of impending doom, juxtaposed with the promise of regeneration—a motif frequently explored by Surrealists to confront existential anxieties.

Lithography: Precision Meets Expression

Masson’s choice of lithograph as a medium underscores his commitment to meticulous craftsmanship alongside expressive abstraction. Lithography utilizes stone etching and chemical manipulation to transfer images onto paper, resulting in tonal variations and subtle textures that enhance the artwork's visual impact. The artist skillfully blends precise lines with organic curves, creating an image that is both intellectually stimulating and emotionally evocative. This technique allows for nuanced rendering of form and color—essential elements in conveying Masson’s vision of the human psyche grappling with fundamental questions about life and death.

Legacy Beyond Surrealism

“Childbirth” exemplifies Masson's broader contribution to 20th-century art, influencing subsequent generations of artists interested in exploring themes of trauma, metamorphosis, and the confrontation between consciousness and instinct. Its enduring appeal lies in its ability to provoke contemplation about human vulnerability and the transformative potential of confronting subconscious anxieties—a legacy that continues to resonate within contemporary artistic discourse. The artwork’s placement in Tate Modern underscores its significance as a cornerstone of Surrealist art history and invites viewers to engage with Masson's profound exploration of the human condition.

Related Artworks

Marc Chagall

Adam and Eve expelled from Paradise Land

Salvador Dalí

Untitled

Marc Chagall

Eve is cursed by God

Marc Chagall

War III

Max Ernst

Hibou

André Masson

Birth of Birds

André Masson

Torso

André Masson

Man emblem

André Masson

Mention of a character

André Masson

Hunting

Artist Biography

André Masson: A Life in Art

Born: Balagny-sur-Thérain, France (January 4, 1896)
Died: 1987

Early Life and Artistic Training

Masson began his artistic journey at the age of eleven, studying at the Académie Royale des Beaux-Arts in Brussels under Constant Montald. This early training provided a foundation for his later experimentation with various styles.
His initial work showed an interest in Cubism, demonstrating an early engagement with modern art movements.

The Surrealist Period and Automatic Drawing

Masson became a key figure within the Surrealist movement, enthusiastically embracing automatic drawing as a technique. This involved creating artwork without conscious control, allowing the subconscious to guide the hand.
He collaborated with other prominent figures of the era like Antonin Artaud, Michel Leiris, Joan Miró, Georges Bataille, Jean Dubuffet, and Georges Malkine, fostering a vibrant artistic community.
Notable Techniques:
- Automatic Drawings: Numerous pen-and-ink works showcasing his innovative approach to art.
- Sand and Glue on Canvas: Experimentation with throwing sand and glue onto canvas, creating unique oil paintings based on the resulting shapes.
His work during this period often explored violent or erotic themes, reflecting a departure from traditional artistic conventions.

Evolution and Later Works

By the late 1920s, Masson moved away from Surrealism, developing a more structured style influenced by artists like André Derain. This is evident in his landscape paintings.
During World War II, his work was condemned as "degenerate" by the Nazis. He escaped to the United States with assistance from Varian Fry, significantly impacting American Abstract Expressionists like Jackson Pollock.
After returning to France, Masson settled in Aix-en-Provence and focused on landscape painting, demonstrating a shift towards more naturalistic subjects.

Legacy and Influence

André Masson's pioneering work in Surrealism and automatic drawing left an enduring legacy on the art world.
His influence can be seen across various artistic movements, from Cubism to Abstract Expressionism, solidifying his position as a pivotal figure in modern art history.
Masson’s exploration of subconscious imagery and innovative techniques continue to inspire artists today.

André Masson

1896 - 1987 , France

Quick Facts

Artistic Movement Or Style:
- Surrealism
- Cubism
Artists Or Movements Influenced By This Artist:
- Jackson Pollock
- Abstract Expressionism
Artists Who Influenced This Artist: ['André Derain']
Date Of Birth: January 4, 1896
Date Of Death: October 28, 1987
Full Name: André Aimé René Masson
Nationality: French
Notable Artworks:
- Beyond
- Landscape with Rocks
- The metamorphosis of the lovers
- Pygmalion
Place Of Birth: Balagny-sur-Thérain, France