The title of this series of lithographs, "Les Indes Galantes" references a French opera-ballet composed in the 17th century. 

Like many of Stella's creations, the connection between the artwork and the title is ambiguous or even arbitrary.

The title can often be a topic or character relevant to the artist at the time of creating the work, but that doesn't necessarily have a link to the artwork itself.

"Les Indes Galantes" revisits the compositions of his paintings of "Mitered Mazes" and "Concentric Squares" done between 1962 and 1963. 

Like many of Stella's lithographs, the artist used a lithographic crayon to create the illusion that the works have been hand-sketched.

This example, the first from the series, is especially interesting as it initially appears to be simply black and white. In fact, it was created using five shades of gray, cream, and black. 

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"Les Indes Galantes I"

USA, 1973

Lithograph

Signed, numbered, and dated by the artist 

From an edition of 100

15.25"H 21.75"W (work)

23"H 28.75"W (framed)

Very good condition.

Published by Petersburg Press Lt., London.

Literature: Frank Stella Prints, Richard Axsom and Leah Kolb (2016) pl. 22 pg. 78. The Prints of Frank Stella: A Catalogue Raisonné 1967-1982, Axsom, pl.23, pg. 153 [1983].