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171 - Henri MICHAUX. *Vigies sur cible*.
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Estimate €8,000 - €10,000
Sale commission
Description
Henri MICHAUX. *Vigies sur cible*. Etchings by Matta. Paris, Édition du Dragon, 1959. In-4, tab-bound, marbled grey sheepskin, mosaic decoration featuring a houndstooth pattern in the centre of each cover with wooden and leather inlays, marbled grey sheepskin linings, green deerskin endpapers, untrimmed, covers and spine preserved (Monique Mathieu, 2010). An illustrated edition featuring 9 original colour etchings by Roberto Matta, including 2 printed on the same sheet. Limited edition of 99 copies. One of the 8 copies containing 7 rejected plates in black, the 9 colour engravings and a black-and-white suite, signed by the poet and the painter (no. II). The black-and-white suite comprises 8 of the 9 engravings. Large original drawing by Matta, occupying half the page on the flyleaf. Graphite and pastel, with an autograph inscription signed in pencil: ‘un Sireno et une si reine, vigiles en cible’. Matta May ’77 (20 years later). The book bears witness to the friendship between the poet and the Chilean painter. They had met through *Poésie pour pouvoir*, the ‘book with nails’ of which Roberto Matta wished to acquire a copy (see no. 158). The gallery owner René Drouin, who was distributing the book, suggested that the painter meet the author: “Between Matta and Michaux, there was an immediate rapport, both emotional and intellectual. Michaux was charmed by Matta; Matta, captivated by Michaux. What particularly dazzled Henri Michaux was Roberto’s way of speaking, that speed, the prodigious volcanic force of his exuberant speech, bursting with puns, the way he would mix French, Italian and Spanish within a single sentence in the blink of an eye – that comic and virtuosic pidgin” (Jean-Pierre Martin, *Henri Michaux*, p. 468). For Yves Peyré, in 1959, “Michaux, whom one quite rightly assumes is not inclined to readily join forces with anyone other than himself, provides the exception that proves the rule. A book then brings him together with Matta, *Vigies sur cibles*, and one immediately realises that this is a partnership that is anything but a mere coincidence. The encounter becomes a cause for celebration; the duo present themselves as mirror images of one another; such a volume makes a considerable contribution to the dialogue between painting and poetry; it is subtle, direct and all the more moving.” A bold, decorated binding by Monique Mathieu, created in 2010. The rest of the work was bound as a separate volume in supple black calfskin with a mosaic design on the covers. The whole set is housed in a black slipcase designed by Monique Mathieu. (Imbert, no. 208.—Peyré, *Peinture et poésie*, p. 157.)
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About the sale Henri Michaux, the Sven Pitsey collection
Auction location
Auction time 10/29/2026 at 2:00 PM
Pictures credits: Contact the Auction House
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