Highlights

Original Drawings

Photobooks

Contemporary Art

Bindings

Paris

In the late 19th century, illustrated books created by painters emerged from close collaborations between publishers and artists. In the 20th century, the artists’ book established itself as a work of art in its own right, conceived as an art object and sometimes entirely devoid of text, blurring the boundaries between visual art and literature. This catalogue presents the most brilliant expressions of the connection between modern and contemporary art and the realms of literature and poetry. The selection includes icons of modern art such as Joan Miró, Hans Bellmer, Giacometti, Matisse, Man Ray, Rouault, Robert Delaunay and Pablo Picasso. Several books contain original drawings, such as those by Georges Rouault. The highlight of the sale is a dazzling copy of Dans l’atelier de Picasso, which the artist has illuminated fully in wax crayon, with drawings dedicated to his friend Lucie Weil. The sale also includes contemporary artists’ books, such as those by Alighiero Boetti, as well as works by photographers like Moriyama and Richard Prince. Through this broad panorama, the auction celebrates the whole history of artistic creation as it relates to the artists’ book.

Director, Head of Departement | Specialist, Books and Manuscripts

Benoit Puttemans

Director | Specialist, Books

Patricia de Fougerolle

Sale Coordinator | Books

Fanny Gras

Meet our Specialists

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In the late 19th century, illustrated books emerged from collaborations between artists and publishers. By the 20th century, the artists’ book became a standalone art form, often blending or replacing text with imagery. This catalogue highlights key examples by modern and contemporary masters, including Miró, Picasso, Matisse, Boetti, Moriyama, and more, celebrating the fusion of visual art, literature, and poetry in book form.

Artist Books