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an image of a painting of two people with a red hatan open book with writing on it with a picture of a cat
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195 - SENGHOR (Léopold Sédar) – CHAGALL (Marc).
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Estimate €800 - €1,200
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Description
SENGHOR (Léopold Sédar) – CHAGALL (Marc). Letters from the Winter. Paris: Éditions du Seuil, 1973. — In-4, 284 x 225: 59 pp., (2 blank folios at the end), 8 plates, illustrated cover. — Unbound, cover folded, with the publisher’s grey cloth slipcase and cover. First edition of this collection of 30 poems exploring themes dear to Senghor, such as love, nature, spirituality and African identity. It is one of the author’s most significant works. By way of introduction, Senghor gives this definition of the term ‘hivernage’: ‘In the Sudano-Sahelian zone, it is the rainy season. In Senegal, it begins in June and ends in the second half of October. The word was coined by the colonial army which, like the Roman army, spent the rainy season in camp. ‘Hivernage’ therefore refers to summer and early autumn. But there is also the ‘hivernage’ of Woman.” The collection is illustrated with nine original lithographs in bistre or colour by Marc CHAGALL (1887–1985), including one on the cover and eight as inserts. Senghor had a genuine admiration for Chagall; they met for the first time in December 1968 at the Grand Palais. The artist illustrated two of Senghor’s works, the second being *Elégies des Alizés*, published in 1969. One of the first 180 copies printed on Arches vellum, signed by the author and the artist on the colophon. This copy is one of the 30 non-commercial copies (no. V). A precious and moving copy belonging to Guy-Waly Senghor (1948–1983), enhanced by this double dedication in the colophon: To my son Guy-Waly // in the hope that he too // will be a creator, I mean // a poet of philosophy // – with all my affection // Sédar For Guy // Senghor // Marc Chagall Guy-Waly was the second son of the author and Ginette Éboué. An intellectual and philosopher, he died prematurely at the age of 36 following an accidental fall. Very well-preserved copy. Provenance: Guy-Waly Senghor, with a dedication from the author and the artist. – Bookplate bearing the initials AL.
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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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