- 78
Alexandra Exter
Estimate
18,000 - 25,000 GBP
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Description
- Alexandra Exter
- 'Quatrains d'Omar Khayyam' calligraphic manuscript on paper by Manuel Pelaez, hand-illuminated borders and miniatures by Alexandra Exter, Paris, 1936
- the seventeen illustrations variously signed in Latin
- illustrations, hand-illuminated borders and miniatures in ink and gouache heightened with gold and silver over pencil on paper
- 33 by 25cm, 13 by 9 3/4 in.
Provenance
Acquired directly from the artist by Ihnno Ezratty
Thence by descent
Thence by descent
Condition
Black morocco leather lettered in gilt on the upper cover, the top edge is gilt. The binding is somewhat worn, the upper joint is broken and the spine defective. The front flyleaf has been pasted to the inside front cover.
"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. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."
"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. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."
Catalogue Note
Exter started to illustrate manuscripts in the early 1930s, with the majority of her illustrations dating to between 1939 and 1942, during the difficult war years when Exter was also suffering from illness and poverty. Friends of Exter have noted her love of literature and medieval poetry, as her former student Esther Shimerova recalled ‘Exter spoke with us for hours about literature… We were forever having to read Italian, Spanish and French medieval poetry so as to understand and experience their national epics.’ (G.Kovalenko, Alexandra Exter, Moscow, 1993, p.234)
The present work illustrates a selection of the Quatrains of Persian astronomer, mathematician and poet Omar Khayyam. Exter’s ornamental design and rich palette speak to her fascination with the literature as she frames the handwritten manuscript with Oriental scenes and motifs.
The present work illustrates a selection of the Quatrains of Persian astronomer, mathematician and poet Omar Khayyam. Exter’s ornamental design and rich palette speak to her fascination with the literature as she frames the handwritten manuscript with Oriental scenes and motifs.