Mystical Images of War is one of the most celebrated works of the Russian avant-garde. First edition of one of the most 'profound and unique artistic responses to the war' - the famous series of 14 lithographs by Natalia Goncharova.

'Goncharova, in her epic treatment of war, combined innovation with traditional forms, particularly icons and lubki. However, her series has nothing in common with pseudo-folk style or with the propaganda spirit of posters or postcards. In her Mystical Images, a sense of ritual performance dominates the cycle. Goncharova creates her own mythology of war, combining the revived heraldry of the Russian coat of arms, symbols of Britain and France, apocalyptic images, and recognisable details of present-day military uniforms, factory smokestacks, and airplanes. A keen awareness of history emerges through visual allusions and allegories' (Rowell).

First edition; folio (37 x 28 cm); title-page and list of plates, repairs to both, contemporary ink inscription to title, 14 lithographs after Goncharova; original yellow wrappers pasted to the inside of perspex and cloth box, a good copy.