Page 114 (and reverse, page 113 - shown in 2nd photo) from "Poesies Antillaises" which includes lithographs (array of plant-like objects in blue on page 114, and two small plant-like objects in blue on page 113) 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, Paris in 1972 after the death of Matisse)
From one of only 275 portfolios
Lithographs (not offset reproductions) on Velin d'Arches paper
Page dimensions 15 x 11 inches
In generally nice condition, stored flat in a dark environment to retain full color intensity
Photocopies of the portfolio sheets in the last 3 photos showing the tirage and other information from the portfolio will be included in this order
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 Letters 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.