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Specific

• Author:

  MATISSE, Henri (1869-1954) MALLARMÉ, Stéphane (1842-1898)

• Title: POÉSIES DE STÉPHANE MALLARMÉ. EAUX-FORTES ORIGINALES DE HENRI-MATISSE. (with and original drawing by H. Matisse)
• Publisher: Lausanne, Albert Skira & Cie., 1932
• Format: In-folio (330x247mm)
• Comparison bibliographic: Cfr. Andel "Avant-Garde Page Design 1900-1950" , p. 346; Cramer, 6; Rauch, 168

Product's description

Loose as issued in original printed wrappers with glassine; calf-backed board chemise and calf-edged slipcase. Custom quarter morocco clamshell case. 153 numbered pages, 29 original etchings in black, 23 of which in full page on Arches paper. Book is signed by Henry Matisse, numbered and stunningly enriched by an original black ink drawing by Matisse himself on the half title double sheet, signed and dedicated on lower left corner “à Max Pellequer. 13/342 Henri Matisse” (usually the drawing accompanies only the first 5 numbered specimens in this edition). First artist book by Matisse, this is one of the 90 copies printed on Arches paper on a total circulation of 145, including 20 “Hors-Commerce”. “Matisse’s etchings for the Mallarme’s Poésies (1932) with no doubt are the culprit in the luxurious tradition of illustrated books. Inspired by Mallarmé’s idea that the empty page is a primary space, the artist showed exceptional balance and harmony by putting in contrast the levity of the trait and the weight of the printed text” (Andel p. 346). This work is the best possible summary for the interpretative female nude study the artist started in the early years of the 1900. Matisse focused his entire artistic research on the human figure analysis and disrupted the traditional approach in arts. His style evolved towards an emphasis on the contour lines and the shape of feminine bodies alone, marking a crucial turning point in contemporary art. This specimen is further enriched by the original black ink drawing representing a torso of a woman with her head resting on her right forearm. The dedication is to Max Pellenquer, nephew of the businessman André Level and Picasso’s backer. The book is in perfect conditions.

Cfr. Andel "Avant-Garde Page Design 1900-1950" , p. 346; Cramer, 6; Rauch, 168