Henri Matisse

The complete book, comprising 87 sheets with linoleum cuts in two volumes, five printed in red, with three additional linoleum cuts printed in blue on the paper wrappers, 1944, a posthumous edition printed in 1981, numbered 40 on the justification page and each sheet numbered 40/100 in pencil, loose (as issued), on BFK Rives wove paper, with excerpts from H. de Montherlant's text of the same name and a preface by Dominique Bozo, printed by Fequet et Baudier, Paris, with the blindstamp of the publisher, the estate of the artist, Paris, contained in the original paper wrappers, paper-covered boards and slipcase (90 prints)

The prints are in good condition, the full sheets with strong colors. A few sheets with inconspicuous, soft creases at the top left corner. Several sheets with faint traces of surface soiling on the recto in the margins; one sheet with a small pale, brown surface stain at the lower left in the image. The versos in good condition, most with faint surface soiling and the small, occasional spot of discoloration or surface stain. The paper wrappers in good condition, one with a small tear at the top in the fold. The boards and slipcase in good condition with faint spots of surface soiling; the slipcase with spots of skinning near the corners.
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.