THE BIRTH OF VENUS.
New York: Kevin Begos Publishing, 1993. Sommer, Frederick. First edition. Oblong folio, comprised of a title-page, five dust grain photogravures, made from the original negatives. Image size from 9 x 10 inches to 9 1/2 x 11 inches, mounted on archival boards 15 1/4 x 13 1/2 inches, colophon, quotation from Genesis. Bound in natural linen with a printed title label inset into the front cover. Laid into a cloth clamshell portfolio with paper label. Prospectus and sample laid-in. Fine. Item #50723
This is the first endeavor into photogravure prints by Frederick Sommer: they are collages from anatomical engravings; they are both eerie and lush. Each print is SIGNED and numbered by the artist and limited to 95 portfolios plus proofs. This unique bound copy is housed in a black lined clamshell box with printed paper label inset on the upper cover; it is identical to copies that were issued as loose prints with the exception that it is 3/8 inch taller.
Laid-in is a prospectus that reads: "AN ARTIST'S BOOK with eight photogravures of new work, made from the negative and printed on handmade papers. The gravures were made by Jon Goodman in Hadley, MA, and printed by Wingate Studio in Hinsdale, N.H. The book will be printed on Rives Heavyweight Text, Handmade H.M.P., and Gampi papers. The handsewn binding of half Dutch vellum and paper over board is by Jovonis Bindery in Springfield, MA. The book comes in a custom clamshell box of black Irish Linen, and is limited to 150 copies, numbered 1/150 - 150/150."
We assume that the publisher issued this copy in an experimental binding for the above proposed edition, which was never accomplished in book form. Instead, the portfolio was issued with 5 photogravure plates mounted on boards, instead of 8, and to 95 signed and numbered copies rather than 150, all laid-in a black Irish linen clamshell portfolio. The binding is totally reversible so the prints can be removed with no loss or damage.
Price: $3,750.00