Genève, Gérald Cramer, 1958
Signed by Miro . One of the most triumphant feats of book illustration in our century' (Soby).
In 1947 when the Swiss art publisher Gérald Cramer suggested to Paul Éluard that they make a livre d'artiste from his poem À Toute Épreuve, Eluard immediately suggested Miro. The layout and execution of the landmark publication is a reflection of the artist's connection with the poets of the 1920s, which led to major transformations in his visual language. Miró, working in intense sessions with the publisher Cramer, re-imagined the text as an entirely new object and the result is one of the most beautiful and visually thrilling books ever printed.
It wasn't until 1958, more than a decade after Cramer voiced the idea that the book was ready. On reflecting upon the creative process, Miró wrote to Cramer, 'I have made some trials which have allowed me to see what it was to make a book and not merely to illustrate it. Illustration is always a secondary matter. The important thing is that a book must have all the dignity of a sculpture carved in marble'. With these words Miró wonderfully summarises the importance of livres d'artistes.
Illustrated with 80 woodcuts, 11 of which are with collage elements, Miró demonstrates his distinctive style of curvilinear lines and biomorphic shapes. He sought to meld the realm of the unconscious to essential life forms, veering toward abstraction but always maintaining links to humanity, nature, and the cosmos.
Limited edition, one of 130 copies; 4to (32 x 25 cm); signed by Miro on the justification, illustrated with 80 woodcuts including the front cover (eleven with collage), loose as issued, occasional minor offsetting; in the original printed wrappers, publisher's vellum-backed wood veneer chemise and slipcase, a fine copy.
Cramer 49.
In 1947 when the Swiss art publisher Gérald Cramer suggested to Paul Éluard that they make a livre d'artiste from his poem À Toute Épreuve, Eluard immediately suggested Miro. The layout and execution of the landmark publication is a reflection of the artist's connection with the poets of the 1920s, which led to major transformations in his visual language. Miró, working in intense sessions with the publisher Cramer, re-imagined the text as an entirely new object and the result is one of the most beautiful and visually thrilling books ever printed.
It wasn't until 1958, more than a decade after Cramer voiced the idea that the book was ready. On reflecting upon the creative process, Miró wrote to Cramer, 'I have made some trials which have allowed me to see what it was to make a book and not merely to illustrate it. Illustration is always a secondary matter. The important thing is that a book must have all the dignity of a sculpture carved in marble'. With these words Miró wonderfully summarises the importance of livres d'artistes.
Illustrated with 80 woodcuts, 11 of which are with collage elements, Miró demonstrates his distinctive style of curvilinear lines and biomorphic shapes. He sought to meld the realm of the unconscious to essential life forms, veering toward abstraction but always maintaining links to humanity, nature, and the cosmos.
Limited edition, one of 130 copies; 4to (32 x 25 cm); signed by Miro on the justification, illustrated with 80 woodcuts including the front cover (eleven with collage), loose as issued, occasional minor offsetting; in the original printed wrappers, publisher's vellum-backed wood veneer chemise and slipcase, a fine copy.
Cramer 49.
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Shapero Rare Books is an internationally renowned dealer in antiquarian & rare books and works on paper.
Our Bookshop and Gallery can be found in the heart of Mayfair at 106 New Bond Street, where most of our stock is available to view and on public display.
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