Prométhée.
Paris : Henri Jonquières, P. A. Nicaise., 1950-51 Stock Code: 139173
Henry Moore's first illustrated book
First edition of Henry Moore's first illustrated book, number 60 of 183 copies only. "During a visit to Paris in 1949 Moore met French typographer and publisher Henri Jonquières, who suggested an illustrated book based on Goethe's Prometheus, an adaptation of Prometheus Bound by Aeschylus. Moore made a total of eight lithographs for Prométhée, along with the cover, title page and letters to start each act. His sketchbooks contain numerous notes to remind him to work his ideas into sculptures in the future. As well as these direct connections there are also general similarities between the finished lithographs and his sculptural work" (Spicer). The result was a beautifully produced edition, with the letterpress printed at the l'Imprimerie Nationale de France, and the lithographs under the supervision of Mourlot frères, whose celebrated studio was employed by artists such as Vlaminck, Utrillo, Braque, Bonnard, Rouault, Miró and Picasso.Description
Folio. Original wrappers with illustration by Moore, loose sheets as issued, untrimmed. With glassine jacket and housed in the publisher's buff paper solander box, titles and cover design by Moore printed in red.
Illustrations
With 16 colour lithographs by Moore, comprising 8 full-page illustrations, 3 initials, 3 culs-de-lampe, the title, and design to front wrapper; letterpress titling and initial letters printed in grey or bisque.
Condition
Trivial peripheral wear at spine ends, box very lightly rubbed with faint mark to spine, else a near-fine copy.
Bibliography
Cramer 18-32. See Graham Spicer's review of the exhibition Moore and Mythology Uncovered at the Henry Moore Foundation (2007), culture24.org, retrieved 18 March 2020.
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