This Henri Matisse " Jazz " rare vintage 1983 first edition lithograph print extra large collector's iconic volume hardcover Modern Art book is an incredibly special and unique book to add to your library collection.

The hardcover art book with black linen covered boards, embossed cover and spine titles, and dust jacket is published by George Braziller Inc. New York, printed by Ernst Wartelsteiner in West Germany in 1983. Text by Henri Matisse translated from the French by Sophie Hawkes, introduction by Riva Catleman art historian and curator of prints and illustrated books at The Museum of Modern Art, New York.

This is a rare opportunity for true Matisse fans and collectors as this iconic volume coveted 1st edition fine art book is long out of print and very scarce to find.

The original edition of " Jazz " was an artist's book, printed in a limited edition in 1947. Commonly regarded as one of the most ambitious illustrated books of The Twentieth Century. This exquisite volume reproduces that groundbreaking vibrant poetic book. The magnificent pure color celebrates the radiance and emotional intensity of the artist's oeuvre.

Using a pair of scissors, matisse cut forms out of colored sheets of paper which he kept arranging and combining until he had achieved a harmonious juxtaposition of pure colors. In the entire process he found it unnecessary to draw a single line. As he wrote in the text for " Jazz ", he drew with scissors, cutting into the color as a sculptor cuts into stone. It was a historic moment in Modern Art : Matisse had discovered a brilliant and successful new method as a painter.

To accompany these images, which recall the chromatic opulence of miniature painting, no printing type seemed appropriate. So Matisse, harkening back to magnificent and picturesque calligraphy of The Middle Ages, wrote the text in his own hand.

The rare out of print 1st edition collector's extra large format Modern Art book measures 12" W X 15 1/2" H X 1" D, with 157 pages. It is printed on premium paper stock featuring 21 lithograph print color illustrations, including 15 double-page.

It is in excellent " like new " very clean condition consistent with age, very light signs of handling, and very light minor wear to the dust jacket. Please see photos for condition reference.