Swan Engraving Circle I is linked to Stella's wider series called Circuits (1980-84), whereby all the artworks are linked through the theme of fragmentation. Swan Engravings is one of Stella's most extensive printmaking projects to date, including twenty-five prints published over three years. The name for the series itself comes from the Swan Engraving Company in Bridgeport, Connecticut with whom Stella worked with.

The present work was printed using both the methods of intaglio and relief printmaking and incorporated metal scraps and etched magnesium fragments that Stella found lying around in the Swan Engraving Company. Stella's incorporation of varying elements – fragmented shapes, lace patterns, letters and numerals – reminds us of early-20th century cubist collages.

Once the metal collages were assembled, ink was applied and printed; the relief elements of the plates created a raised, embossed effect in each print. Stella's style was lively and spontaneous, he never hesitated when assembling the plate nor in the printing process itself, often completing the entire process in a single day in 'one hit'.

Etching, relief and engraving in colours, 1983, on light mauve TGL handmade paper with their blindstamp lower centre, signed and dated in pencil, numbered from the edition of 5, published by Tyler Graphics Ltd., New York, 132.1 cm. (52 in.) diameter

Axsom 165e