“AER” (Air) by Edir Lela

“AER” (Air) by Edir Lela

C.1900-1949

Hand-Painted Lithograph

Embodying the domain of the skies, this mid-twentieth-century hand-colored lithograph titled AER (Air) is an original print by artist Edir Lela. The neoclassical composition features two winged cherubs dynamically posed back-to-back atop a large, prominent eagle with widespread wings. Surrounding the central figures are various smaller birds in flight and floating orbs, emphasizing the atmosphere of the upper air. A flowing pink ribbon drapes elegantly across the upper section, framing a central golden plaque that displays the element’s Latin name. The artwork utilizes a rich contrast between the finely stippled, warm skin tones of the figures and a deep, solid black background, all bounded by a clean blue and black border. This particular print is hand-signed by the artist and numbered "2" in the lower right corner.

This composition belongs to a broader European art tradition dating back to the Renaissance and Baroque eras, where natural forces were visually conceptualized through allegorical series known as the "Four Elements" (Earth, Air, Fire, and Water). Prints like this hold considerable decorative importance because they revived historical, old-world imagery for modern collectors. By highlighting playful marine iconography and symmetrical layouts, the print showcases the enduring design legacy of classical grotesques and their role in the historical evolution of mythological illustration.

Dimensions: H 6 ¾” x 6 ¾” W

Condition: In very good condition, very small linear mark on upper right corner (barely visible)