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CHAGALL, Marc (1887-1985), artist — Jean de La FONTAINE (1621-1695)
Fables. Paris: Tériarde, 1952.
Mint copy with etchings which illustrate the treasured fables of La Fontaine. The ever-experimental Chagall was deemed by critics inappropriate to illustrate such a beloved work of French literature, but of course his naïve imagery speaks to the moral simplicity of La Fontaine’s stories. Upon realising that even the master printers of his day could not render the gradations of tone he desired, Chagall opted to prepare the etchings himself, and developed a drypoint technique to transfer his gouache designs to the metal plates directly. Cramer books 22.
Two volumes, folio (392 x 304mm). Number 124 of 200 copies, printed on BFK Rives wove paper, signed by the artist, with 102 etchings with aquatint including the two covers. Loose, as issued, stiff paper wrappers, with original glassine jackets, each volume housed in its original chemise of grey cloth backed boards lettered in gilt on spine, the whole contained in grey paper covered slip case (the top edge unattached).
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