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an old handwritten letter from a man who is holding a tennis racquetan image of a drawing of a woman holding a babyan image of a picture of a drawing of various itemsa close up of a piece of paper with writing on it
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70 - RIMBAUD (Arthur) – LÉGER (Fernand).
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Estimate €4,000 - €6,000
Sale commission
Description
RIMBAUD (Arthur) – LÉGER (Fernand). Les Illuminations. Preface by Henry Miller. Lausanne: Éditions des Gaules, [1949]. — 4to, 325 x 245: 134 pp., (5 leaves, the last two blank), printed cover. Mustard-coloured morocco leather, cold-stamped decorative bands framing the covers, ribbed spine, gilt head, untrimmed, cover and spine preserved, slipcase (contemporary binding). Famous illustrated edition featuring 15 original full-page lithographs by Fernand LÉGER (1881–1955), 11 of which were enhanced with stencil work under the supervision of Louis Grosclaude, the book’s publisher. The number of enhanced lithographs varies from copy to copy. Henry Miller’s preface appears here for the first time. Africa did not directly influence Rimbaud’s poems: he gave up poetry in 1873 (aged 19) and did not set off for Abyssinia (Harar, Aden) until 1880, seven years later. He does, however, refer to this continent in his prose poem *Soir historique*: ‘In its enslaved vision, Germany rears itself towards the moons; the Tartar deserts light up; ancient revolts swarm at the heart of the Celestial Empire; via staircases and rock-seats, a small, pale and flat world—Africa and the West—is set to be built. ’ This passage, typical of Rimbaud’s visionary style, associates Africa with a symbolic construction, alongside the West, in an evocation of worlds in flux. In this sense, the continent stems from a poetic imagination rather than lived experience. In ‘Parade’, another poem from the collection, Rimbaud refers to the Hottentots, a nomadic and pastoral people of southern Africa. A print run of 395 copies, signed by Léger and Grosclaude on the colophon. One of the first 25 copies on heavy, tinted vellum paper (no. 16), enhanced with a suite of lithographs on Chinese paper. It does not include, as is almost always the case, the original drawing that was to be attached to the first copies, but it has been enriched with the following items: - A letter from Henry Miller, dated 3 August 1951, addressed to Louis Grosclaude, 1 page in-4 in English: ‘This is to inform you that I have finally received the (3) copies of the Rimbaud-Léger book, sent to me collect and poorly wrapped. Only two days ago. In the meantime, I enquired of friends in the book trade in New York as to the current market value of the book in this country. Their unanimous reply is that the book sells to the bookseller for 60 minus the usual discount.” - Autograph letter signed by Fernand Léger, dated 10 November 1949, addressed to Louis Grosclaude, 1 page, in-8: ‘I think that perhaps the cover design (which I gave you quite some time ago) is a little too bold compared to the interior illustrations. If this cover has not been printed, would you please return it to me so that I can revise it?’ - Publication leaflet in book format, printed on laid paper and featuring on the front a black lithograph by Fernand Léger (the one on page 125). The signature ‘F.L.’ on Fernand Léger’s plate has been replaced by the handwritten initials ‘ND’. - Two proof prints of two colour lithographs – those on pages 19 and 119 – the first on Montgolfier vellum from Annonay and the other on heavy, tinted vellum, each marked ‘colour lithograph proof. Grosclaude’ and signed by Fernand Léger, who also added the word ‘Bon’ to the second. The colours of the first proof differ radically from those of the version published in the book. As for the second, its colour version is a valuable addition, as the corresponding illustration in the book remains in black and white. Spine discoloured; hinge on the front cover split. Some lithographs have bled through.
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About the sale Claude Mozis Library – Black Africa and the African diaspora
Auction location
Auction time 10/21/2026 at 2:00 PM
Pictures credits: Contact the Auction House
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