Pasiphae. Chant de Minos.

1944. MATISSE, Henri. Pasiphaé, Chant de Minos. Text by Henri de Montherlant. 121, [1], [6] pp. With 147 linoleum engravings by Matisse, including 50 printed in black (of which 18 are full-page), 84 initial letters and repeated head-pieces printed in red, with front and back covers printed in blue and white. Folio, 330 x 250 mm., loose as issued in the original wrappers and linen slipcase. Paris: Martin Fabiani, 1944. One of 200 copies on velin d'Arches filigrané paper, from a total edition of 250. Signed by Matisse on the justification page. Matisse's Pasiphaé is a thrilling work. All of the original linoleum plates were destroyed after the printing of this edition. As with almost all his books, Matisse was responsible for the brilliant design, which combined black, white and red colours to create one of the most appealing artist books of the twentieth century. "A contemporary retelling of the story of Pasiphaé and the Minoan bull was the impetus for one of Matisse's most intensive printmaking experiences. Working with linoleum, a fairly easy material to use, Matisse cut many blocks of each image to achieve the perfect flow of line and relationship of forms. Intent on matching the spirit and ambiance of the classic tale, Matisse took as his model ancient Greek blackground vase painting" (Castleman). A superior copy, suffering only from some scattered light offsetting. The chemise and slipcase has the slightest wear but is completely sound. PROVENANCE: A private American collector. Claude Duthuit, Henri Matisse, Catalogue raisonné des ouvrages illustrés No.10. The Artist and the Book 198. From Manet to Hockney 112. Rauch 169. A Century of Artists Books 113. Johnson, Artists' Books in the Modern Era 1870-2000 No. 102. Bidwell, Graphic Passion, No. 21.