Seven Talismans - a suite of seven intaglios

Bernard Childs

"Seven Talismans" is a suite of images depicting quietly wild, colorfully printed abstract shapes in small format. Each image is presented as a talisman, dedicated to people and things of no readily available connection, but with a harmonious theme nevertheless. From left to right, the images are titled as follows: Talisman for Atomic Physicists; Talisman for an Early Spring; Talisman for Snake Charmers; Talisman for Longevity; Talisman for Trespassers; Talisman for Vice Presidents; Talisman for a High Wind.

A talisman "is any object ascribed with religious or magical powers intended to protect, heal, or harm individuals for whom they are made." (Wikipdia) or "an object, typically an inscribed ring or stone, that is thought to have magic powers and to bring good luck."(Oxford Dictionary)

Another set of these color intaglios was dedicated by Childs' wife Judith to print collector and promotor Sylvan Cole, thusly: "For Sylvan Cole, who inspired Bernard to do this suite. 4 . xii . 2001." Cole, who ran Associated American Artists (AAA) in New York, worked with Bernard Childs from the 1940s onward, and was known for leading the charge in legitimizing printmaking as a fine art.