Fernand Léger: The Complete Graphic Work - Lawrence Saphire. Preface Fernand Mourlot

Fernand Léger: The Complete Graphic Work    
By Lawrence Saphire. Preface Fernand Mourlot

Fernand Léger: The Complete Graphic Work - Catalogue Raisonné - 1st Edition

Presents the artwork of French cubist Fernand Léger (1881-1955). With essays by Lawrence Saphire and Fernand Mourlot. Includes an extensive bibliography.
This monograph commences with a 16 page in depth review of his practices and work in prints. Full page colour catalogue reproductions each feature general observations, and are followed by 46 pages of detailed notes on the 142 prints featured in this book. Comprises a preface by Fernand Mourlot, as well as signature specimens, detailed bibliography, and more.  

Fernand Leger (1881-1955) was a French painter, sculptor, printmaker and filmmaker, whose style and medium evolved considerably over the course of his life. After studying painting among the big names of Paris, his early works transitioned to a personal form of cubism, moving strongly into the abstract. However, his experience on the front lines of WWI influenced his work to a more figurative, populist style. During his mechanical period his work often expressed the dynamic pace of a technologically-driven modern age. He was one of first of his generation to embrace and express the industrial revolution in his art. His bold yet simple treatment of modern subject matter inspires many to consider him a forerunner of pop art. [Wikipedia + MetMuseum]  

EDITION POINTS: Limited First Edition, this is hand-numbered as 628 of 1750 English-only editions, from a total run of 3110 including French and bilingual editions.  

    Hardcover. Cream oatmeal woven cloth pictorially stamped in blue. Corners intact. The annotated and illustrated catalogue presents 142 vibrant colour, full page lithograph reproductions, throughout, with additional ones listed.
    Internally a clean and tight copy.
    Pictorial Dust Jacket Very Good, but has a few small tears along the top edge and nicked on top right corner, and 3 small tears along bottom edges on back. Covered with Brodart protective book cover.
    Text block intact. Spine is Fine. Slight discolouration along edges. Slight discolouration along edges.
    Language: English
    Published by Blue Moon Press, New York, 1978
    #1501 of 1750 English-language copies, from a total of 3110 copies in various languages. As such, it is uncommon and a very fine copy. 1st Edition. A rare book.
    Binding Condition: Tight. Very Good to Fine.
    Overall Condition: Very Good to Fine.
    Size: Folio, 326 mm X 250 mm x 33 mm.
    320 pages

A stunning and rare work of art.