Original lithograph by Jean Carzou, "Oliviers Dans Les Alpilles" (Olive Trees in the Alpilles), from the limited edition (450) portfolio "Provence" published by Andre Sauret in 1966.  The print is in mint condition with brilliant color saturation.  Printed on Grand Velin d'Arches paper; print size: 12 1/2 x 19 1/4 inches.  Mint condition (center fold as issued).  A fine art reproduction of the Colophon is provided.
 
The Alpilles is a small range of low mountains in Provence, France, located about a dozen miles south of Avignon, known for its Olive Groves and White Wine.  The mountains were immortalized by Vincent van Gogh, who painted many images of Alpilles landscapes during his time in Saint-Rémy-de-Provence.  In this print, Jean Carzou provides an abstraction of the Olive Groves.
 
Jean Carzou (1907-2000), was born in Syria to an Armenian family.  Carzou created his name from the first syllables of his birth first name and surname (Karnik Zouloumian).  He moved to Paris in the early 1920s to study art and architecture, and in 1925 he graduated from the Paris School of Architecture.  However, he abandoned his pursuit of architecture for the fine art, resorting to work as a street artist painting caricatures and portraits to support himself.  His art became noticed, providing Carzou with a steady income from his sketches of politicians and public figures that were published in Paris newspapers.  Through his line drawings and engravings he became well known as an illustrator for some of the 20th century's most important writers, including Hemingway, Camus, Ionesco and Rimbaud.  Carzou's works adorn opera houses, chapel walls, the SS France and a Château Mouton Rothschild wine bottle label.  His paintings are in the permanent collection of renowned art museums worldwide.  Over the course of his career, Carzou received many honors.  He was a member of France's Academie des Beaux-arts, and decorated with the National Order of Merit, three Hallmark Prizes for painting, the Grand Prize of Europe, and the Grand Prize of the Ile de France.  In 1976, Carzou became the first living artist to have his work appear on a French postage stamp.