André BRETON (1896-1966). Autograph manuscript signed, [Bois de Posada, 1937]; 1/3 page in-4 in green ink on Gradiva gallery paper. Introduction to Mexican engraver José Guadalupe Posada (1852-1913) These lines, taken from the Paratonnerre preface to the Anthologie de l'humour noir, accompanied the article "Bois de Posada", in issue no. 10 of Minotaure magazine, Winter 1937. "The triumph of humor in its purest, most plastic form seems to have been achieved very close to home, and we should recognize as its first craftsman the Mexican artist Posada, who in his admirable woodcuts of a popular nature, makes us aware of the turmoil of the 1910 revolution (the shadows of Villa and Fierro...), questioned in conjunction with these compositions, give us an idea of how humor can move from speculation to action - Mexico, with its splendid funereal toys, is also the land of choice for black humor)." Œuvres complètes (Pléiade), t. II, p. 1207.