HENRI MATISSE - LIMITED EDITION LITHOGRAPH FROM THE PORTFOLIO "POESIES ANTILLAISES"

Four page spread from "Poesies Antillaises" which includes lithograph (large alphabet Letter and some small ornamental drawings, in blue color) by Henri Matisse

Matisse completed and proofed all of the lithograph stones in 1945 and 1946 but the actual Edition was never pulled at that time - the Edition was ultimately published by Fernand Mourlot in 1972 after the death of Matisse

Limited Edition Lithograph (not an offset reproduction) - only 275 portfolios, on Velin d'Arches paper

On a double page, dimensions 22 x 15 inches, with center fold - Reverse shown in second photo.

Nice condition, stored flat in a dark environment to retain full color intensity

The portfolio sheets in the last 3 photos are not included in this order but are present to show the tirage and other information from the Portfolio

Referenced - Duthuit, Catalog raissone des ouvrages, illustres no. 37

ABOUT THIS PORTFOLIO - Poems by John-Antoine Nau, Illustrated by Henri Matisse, published by Fernand Mourlot, Paris 1972.  Portfolio loose on Arches paper in publishers wrappers. The portfolio contained 28 lithographs in full page in brown, 27 ornamental alphabet Letter lithographs, and numerous small ornamental drawing lithographs in blue. Limited edition of 275 copies.  Matisse conceived of this work as an homage to his close friend John-Antoine Nau that he met in 1900 during a trip to Martinique and, as he had done with the collaborative Charles d'Orleans and Ronsard portfolio publications, he personally selected the poems that moved him most. As Matisse and poet Nau shared a common love for Martinique, Matisse worked from Martiniquan models as well as Malagashan models for the illustrations. Matisse prepared the alphabet Letter and small ornamental illustrations for this book in 1946 and a contract to publish the edition was drawn up with Mourlot in 1947. Matisse worked on and off on the production maquette for Poesies Antillaises from 1950 to 1953. However, due in large measure to the artist's ill health at the end of his life, publication was delayed until almost twenty years after his death. 

Shipping - This item will be flat packed in protective cardboard and shipped in a USPS Priority Mail box for extra protection.

COMBINED SHIPPING within USA is available to save shipping costs on multiple purchases that can be shipped together