Poesies Antillaises.
MATISSE, Henri. Poesies Antillaises. By John-Antoine Nau. 90 ff. Illustrated with 28 full-page portrait lithographs and a further 27 hors-texte ornaments by Matisse. Folio, 383 x 292 mm, loose as issued in the publisher's wrappers and cardboard slipcase. Paris: Mourlot, 1972.
Matisse conceived of this work as an homage to his close friend John-Antoine Nau, and as he had done with Charles d'Orleans and Ronsard, he personally selected the poems that moved him most.
As Matisse and the poet shared a common love for Martinique, Matisse worked from Martiniquan models as well as Malagashan models for the illustrations. Matisse prepared the 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. One of 200 regular copies. A superb copy of this magnificent book which is similar in feel to Florilège, published by Skira in 1948.
Duthuit, Henri Matisse, Les Ouvrages Illustrés, No. 37. From Manet to Hockney No. 129.
Item nr. 120562
Price:
$17,500.00