130

Fernand Leger

1881-1955, French

"Après le déluge," from "Les Illuminations" by Arthur Rimbaud, 1949

Lithograph with pochoir and unique hand-coloring in gouache on cream wove paper, unidentified watermark, under Plexiglas
Signed and inscribed in pencil in the lower right corner: F. Leger / bon définitif; ink stamped, as well as signed and inscribed in pencil on the verso by the publisher; Louis Grosclaude at Editions de Gaules, Lausanne, Switzerland, pub.
Image/Sheet: 13" H x 9.75" W

  • Provenance: The Estate of William J. Solloway
    Private Collection, New York, NY, acquired from the above
  • Literature: cf. Saphire 24-38, pp. 258-267
  • Notes: The pencil inscription and signature by Grosclaude on the verso appears to read: Colorée par l'artiste / Bon définitif [indistinct] / Fernand Léger pour Les / Illuminations de Rimbaud / Mars 1949 / L. Grosclaude.

    395 examples of "Les Illuminations," written by Arthur Rimbaud and illustrated Fernand Leger, were published in 1949, including both standard and deluxe editions.

    The French poet Arthur Rimbaud (1854-1891), who is regarded as a key member of the Symbolist movement, wrote the forty prose and two free-verse poems known as "Les Illuminations" when he was in his late teens. While the collection of poems was first published in 1886 without the author's knowledge, "Les Illuminations" is now considered a masterpiece of Modernist poetry that firmly established Rimbaud's reputation as one of France's great poets.

    In 1949, the Swiss publisher Louis Groschaude commissioned the French artist Fernand Leger to create a series of fifteen illustrations that were to accompany a reprinting of “Les Illuminations.” This work, which accompanied the poem "Apres Le Deluge," was one of nine illustrations that were individually hand-colored for a small deluxe edition of Groschaude's printing of "Les Illuminations."
  • Condition: Generally good condition. The sheet with deckled edges on two sides. Appears to be very slightly trimmed along the left edge. Pale toning and slight mat staining, both recto and verso. Scattered small and generally unobtrusive spots of reverse staining in the face at right. Small remains of clear tape from previous mounting at the upper sheet corners, verso. The sheet is loose, secured to the overmat with small pocket corners.

    Frame: 25" H x 21" W x 1.25" D


Accepted Forms of Payment:

American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Money Order / Cashiers Check, Personal Check, Visa, Wire Transfer

Shipping

Buyers are responsible for arranging their own shipping estimates and deliveries. Moran's in our discretion and as a courtesy to buyers, can arrange to have purchased lots packed, insured and forwarded by a third-party shipper at the request, expense and risk of the buyer. Moran's assumes no responsibility for acts or omissions in such packing or shipping by other packers or carriers, even if recommended by Moran's. Nor does Moran's assume any responsibility for any damage to picture frames or to the glass therein. In circumstances where Moran's arranges for such third-party services, Moran's may apply an administration charge of 15% of that service fee.

June 21, 2022 12:00 PM PDT
Monrovia, CA, US

John Moran Auctioneers

You agree to pay a buyer's premium of up to 25% and any applicable taxes and shipping.

View full terms and conditions

Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $499 $25
$500 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
$200,000 $499,999 $25,000
$500,000 + $50,000