Portfolio aside from the edition of 300 (this copy not numbered). Consisting of 24 loose plates numbered 2 to 25 with woodcuts on heavy cream wove paper (No. 26 = last plate missing). Also containing 3 plates with title, introductory text and imprint, all executed as woodblocks. The title woodblock repeated on the cover oft he portfolio accompanied by a different ornamental woodcut. Published by F. Kupka and printed by B. Kadar, Paris 1926. With an autograph dedication "à Mme et Mr Jacques Lassaigne en souvenir de leur visite dans l’atelier de Kupka" by František Kupka. In private linen-covered case.
The art publicist Jacques Lassaigne wrote countless books about French art and French artists. He was curator-in-chief of the Musée d’Art moderne de la ville de Paris from 1971 to 1978 where he organised an exhibition with all plates of the "Quatres histoires" along with the preparatory gouaches and the sketches from Kupka’s sketchbooks. This exhibition was accompanied by a facsimile edition oft the "Quatre histoires" with reproductions oft the preparatory gouaches and an introduction by Jacques Lassaigne where he describes his numerous personal encounters with Kupka.
Kupka had published his portfolio privatly in 1926 which apperently caused a financial disaster for him since the portfolio didn’t sell. When he signed and dedicated the copy presented here he must have been quite old and still there were copies oft he "Quatres histoires" to be given as presents to special visitors. Whether the missing plate was ever part oft he present copy or was already missing when Lassaigne got it out of Kupka’s hands is unclear.
However, this is a beautiful signed copy of one oft he most fascinating graphic works ever produced, with an important dedicatee and in excellent condition.
More photos on request.
