Jean Vertex.
Amitiés de Montmartre.
Paris: François Bernouard, 1949.
AN EXCEPTIONAL COPY OF THIS IMPORTANT LIVRE D'ARTISTE, WITH PENCIL-SIGNED ETCHINGS BY MAURICE UTRILLO AND HIS WIFE, LUCIE VALORE, AND UNSIGNED ETCHINGS BY PICASSO AND BERNARD LAMOTTE.
This book is a collection of poems about Montmartre by Vertex (there is even a poem dedicated to Utrillo and Valore!), illustrated with reproductions of drawings by many artists associated with Montmartre, including Marie Laurencin, Dunoyer de Segonzac, Dignimont, Laprade, Charles Guérin, Roger Wild. and Vertex himself.
Also illustrated with FOUR LOOSE HORS-TEXTE ETCHINGS, one each by Utrillo, Valore, Picasso, and Bernard Lamotte.. All four etchings are signed in the plate. THIS IS AN OUTSTANDING ASSOCIATION COPY printed for Robert Conchon. On the verso of the title-page is a fine presentation inscription to Conchon underneath the reproduced drawing by Vertex, which he has colored by hand in this copy. Furthermore, THE ETCHINGS BY UTRILLO AND VALORE ARE SIGNED IN PENCIL BY THE ARTISTS. Maurice Utrillo (1883-1955), among the greatest of modern artists, married his fellow artist (and former patron) Lucie Valore (1878-1967) in 1935, after she had been widowed. Utrillo made very few original prints, and signed impressions are of the utmost rarity.
From a total edition of 110 numbered copies, this is ONE OF ONLY 15 BEAUTIFULLY PRINTED ON FINE MARAIS WOVE PAPER. From the private collection of Sylvan Cole (1918-2005), the leading American print dealer. Large folio. Loose as issued in wraps. UNCUT AND UNOPENED. A few creases to extreme margin of half-title, else FINE AND BRIGHT. In the original (somewhat worn) board chemise and slipcase. Utrillo was surely Montmartre's most emblematic artist, and the signed etchings by him and his wife make this a truly wonderful book.
