Miserere (Inscribed by Georges Rouault to Publisher James Heinemann)
Philadelphia: Grey Falson Press, 1950. Original wraps. A significant Association copy: INSCRIBED BY GEORGES ROUAULT TO PUBLISHER JAMES HEINEMANN (who oversaw this project) AND ADDITIONALLY INSCRIBED BY JAMES HEINEMANN AND HIS WIFE TO THE BOOK'S DESIGNER, ARNOLD FAWCUS. A lovely copy to boot of this rare 1950 facsimile edition, of which only 8 copies were printed for Rouault and the publisher. The facsimile consists of a series of 58 black-and-white tissue-guarded engravings depicting the human condition. A crisp, Near Fine octavo (small, tasteful former owner bookplate --otherwise immaculate) in its original paper wrappers and glassine, and with an immaculate custom tan cloth slipcase and chemise. Originally created between 1912 and 1926 --and first published in a limited edition of 450 copies in Paris in 1948-- "Miserere's" engravings were produced in this smaller facsimile format under the supervision of Rouault himself. "The complex graphic techniques of 'Miserere' offered the artist a great variety of graphic expression. Heliogravure plates were first mechanically made after paintings, gouaches and wash drawings. These rerpoductions then served as the copper plates on which the artist composed his designs" ("Retrospective Exhibition 1953", Museum of Modern Art). Section One, "Miserere", depicts the pathos of man's existence, while Section Two, "Guerre", illustrated man's ultimate folly. With an English translation of Rouault's preface. A very impressive copy with excellent association. Near Fine / Fine. Item #16978
Price: $2,500.00