MARC CHAGALL (1887-1985)

Four Tales from the Arabian Nights, New York, Pantheon Books, Inc., 1948 (Mourlot 36-48; Cramer books 18)

Details

MARC CHAGALL (1887-1985)
Four Tales from the Arabian Nights, New York, Pantheon Books, Inc., 1948 (Mourlot 36-48; Cramer books 18)
the complete deluxe edition edition of 13 signed, numbered and inscribed lithographs in colors, on laid paper, the colors vibrant, individual folders with text and reproductions of the artist's line drawings, title page, justification and table of contents on wove paper, each lithograph annotated 'Out of series' and with the plate number, copy H of K (there was also the edition of 90 lacking the thirteenth lithograph and the deluxe edition of 10 with the additional lithograph and the progressive proofs), with full margins, loose (as issued), the prints and the text pages with pale time staining and occasional surface soiling, a few plates with pale staining in the margins, the text pages with a few unobtrusive foxmarks, otherwise in good condition, original wove paper-covered, ribbon-tied portfolio with printed title, brown linen-covered portfolio. 455 x 354 mm.
album

Lot Essay

Four Tales from the Arabian Nights was produced at the instigation of Jacques Schiffin of Pantheon Books after Chagall had reached New York from occupied France in 1941. Superb illustrations of the lithographer's art, they are generally regarded as the most important set of color lithographs produced in America prior to 1950.

In addition to the regular edition of 90 examples, a small edition of ten, lettered A-K, were produced which included a thirteenth lithograph. The current lot is from this small group, and is all the more rare for its survival as a complete set and its fine condition.

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