Helen Frankenthaler was born and raised on Park Avenue in New York City. A true New Yorker, she never strayed far from her beloved Manhattan. Upon returning to the city in 1949, following her studies, Frankenthaler took a studio space downtown not far from the Soho neighbourhood. Titled ‘Soho Dreams’, this piece is an autobiographical nod to the artist’s years spent in the city that never sleeps. With its intense violet, cloud-like shape and its soft yet bold coloured lines, Frankenthaler skilfully executes her ‘soak-stain’ method to create a harmony between colour and form.

Etching, aquatint and drypoint in colours, 1987, on Magnani paper, signed and dated in pencil, numbered from the edition of 71 (there were also 8 artist’s proofs), published by 2RC Edizioni d'Arte, Rome, with their blindstamp, 64.8 x 78.1 cm. (25½ x 30¾ in.)