BRUNELLESCHI (Umberto). The Masks and Characters of the Ital - Lot 43

Lot 43
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Estimation :
2500 - 2800 EUR
BRUNELLESCHI (Umberto). The Masks and Characters of the Ital - Lot 43
BRUNELLESCHI (Umberto). The Masks and Characters of the Italian Commedia dell'arte. A masterpiece of Art Deco elegance, one of the most beautiful tributes to the figures of the Commedia dell'arte. Paris, Published by the Journal des Dames et des Modes, 1914. Oblong folio album (380 x 500 mm). Loose-leaf volume in a cream-colored paper cover adorned with the title and a vignette. Cardboard folder with flaps and the publisher’s slipcase. 6 unnumbered pages, 12 plates. Slight pinholes on the cover. Faded handwritten note on the reverse of the "Pantalon" plate. The cardboard slipcase is damaged and brittle. First edition, numbered copy on Arches vellum and signed by the artist. The album consists of 12 engraved plates of exceptional finesse, beautifully enhanced with stencils and brush highlights. Brunelleschi displays all his genius as a costume designer and colorist to portray the iconic figures of Italian theater: Arlequin, Doctor Ballanzone, Brighella, Coralline, Florindo, Giacometta, Mezzetin, and Colombine, Pantalon, Rosaura, Scaramouche, etc. Our copy is enriched with handwritten notes on the reverse of four plates (one of which has been bleached). According to a note on the back cover, these notes are believed to be in the hand of Gérard d'Houville (the pen name of Marie de Régnier), a poet and central figure in the literary life of the Belle Époque. The plates are in perfect condition, featuring vivid and luminous colors.
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