MATISSE (Henri). - Lot 259

MATISSE (Henri). Poems by Charles d'Orléans handwritten and illustrated by Henri Matisse. [Paris]: Tériade, [1950]. - In-folio, 410x266: (2 blank ff.), 100 pp. (4 ff. last 2 blank), illustrated cover. In sheets, filled cover, slipcase. "One of the most original and innovative illustrated works in the history of the painter's book" (Tériade & les livres de peintres, Musée Matisse, 2002, p. 131). The edition was printed in an edition of 1,230 copies on Arches wove paper, all signed by Matisse at the justification. The illustration comprises 54 full-page color lithographs, including 5 portraits and 48 variations on the fleur-de-lis, executed under the artist's direction by the ateliers Mourlot frères. A very well preserved copy.