[Dufy, Raoul. (1880-1953)] Maillol, Aristide. [Joseph Bonaventure] [1861-1944] (Illus.) & Pons, J[oseph] S[ebastian].
Concert D'Eté - Specially Printed copy for Raoul Dufy with original paintings
Paris: Flammarion. [1946]. First edition. 4to. pp. 1 p.l., [149], [1 leaf]. With title and 26 original text woodcuts by Maillol. Loose gatherings, uncut, as issued in original printed wrappers. Paper slipcase, with cloth-backed chemise. One of 10 copies on 'papier pur fil de Lana' reserved for the collaborators, this copy stamped "Exemplaire de Collaborateur / imprimé spécialement pour Raoul Dufy," and including two original paintings of butterflies by Dufy, affixed to the half title which bears the faintest outlines of a drawing of flowers.The edition was limited to 250 numbered examples and 65 hors commerce, of which 15 copies were reserved for collaborators, 10 of which were on this fine paper. The paper wrappers browned with humidity, occasional light spots within, generally fine.
The butterfly paintings are delicately accomplished on paper cut in the form of the subject. They closely resemble the paintings made by Dufy for the Bianchini-Ferier textile studio at Tournon for which Dufy made designs to be translated into often highly elaborate and colourful printed fabrics. As the artist said: "Nowhere else but in fabrics do we have the pleasure of witnessing the optical phenomena of lines and colours... It is here that we can enjoy the grace of a beautiful unfolding line, like a delightful melody" (quoted in Dora Perez-Tibi, Dufy, London, 1989, p. 111).
It was on his way to visit his friend Raoul Dufy, that Maillol was injured in a car crash on a mountainous road. He died soon afterward in Banyuls; he was 83. "Although posthumous, it [Concert D'Eté] was a work conceived by Maillol himself. J.S. Pons' style is rich and vital. Maillol contrived in his wood-engravings...to ally wealth of instinctively powerful forms with a masterly economy in the means of expression." (Waldemar George, "Aristide Maillol" p. 112) (8072)
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