Henri Matisse

The complete deluxe edition of the book comprising 29 etchings (20 hors-texte, 6 en-texte), together with the separate suite of 29 etchings with remarques, on japon imperial, poetry by Mallarmé, signed in ink opposite the title page, numbered 14 (one of 30 copies containing the separate suite from the total edition of 125 plus 20 copies hors commerce), printed by Lacourière, Paris, published by Albert Skira et Cie, Lausanne, loose (as issued), contained in original paper cover and slip case with leather spine, with original covered slip case (58 prints)

W. Averill Harriman Foundation
Christie's New York, November 16, 1982, lot 248
Acquired at the above sale

Contained in original paper cover. Slip case with leather spine. With original leather covered slip case. The sheets are in good condition. A few sheets with small stains from the verso. Some stray printer's ink in the folds of some of the text sheets. The separate suite, most with linen hinges at top edges. Cover and slip case somewhat worn, the slip case with a water-stain on the spine.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

In his lifetime, Henri Matisse produced more than a dozen illustrated books known as livres d’artiste, a specific type of illustrated book that became common in France at the turn of the century. These books were deluxe, limited editions, meant to be collected and admired as works of art. Matisse took his first step in illustration when Swiss publisher Albert Skira approached him in 1930 to illustrate Poésies, by the 19th century French poet Stéphane Mallarmé. Matisse responded to Skira’s invitation with enthusiasm and made an enormous number of drawings for the project. Ultimately, 27 drawings of elevated purity were selected, exhibiting an extraordinary economy of the thin, engraved line so as not to overpower the ethereal quality of Mallarmé’s poetry. Matisse’s etchings of Mallarmé’s poems are considered amongst his greatest works in the printed medium.