Penthesilea.

Ars Librorum (Edition de Beauclair), Frankfurt, 1970

Original drypoint etchings by Oskar Kokoschka, hand-numbered and signed, 'Edition Deluxe' No. vii of 35 Roman numbered copies.

Description: Uncut and loose as issued in original green portfolio, gilt facsimile author’s signature and de Beauclair’s signet to front cover. 63 × 50 cm; 10 signed and numbered original drypoint etchings (sheet size: 62 × 47 cm). Printed on ‘Edition de Beauclair’s’ Japon, blind stamped to bottom edge.

Ref.: Fischer/Richter: p. 162

Condition: Portfolio slightly sunned, etchings in pristine condition.

Notes: The ‘Edition de Beauclair’ series, published by Ars Librorum, was launched in 1966. It features unique, limited-edition prints and print series by contemporary artists. All the prints are numbered and signed by the artists. Following his illustrations for Aristophanes’ Frogs, this is Kokoschka’s second major series of etchings in the ‘Edition de Beauclair’. In the prints inspired by Kleist’s ancient tragedy, Kokoschka explores ‘the tragedy of the individual who exercises his right to self-determination, freedom, and error to the utmost consequence’ (publisher’s announcement). Three editions of this work were published: a deluxe edition of 35 Roman-numbered copies, 10 alphabetically designated artist’s proofs, and a standard edition of 100 Arabic-numbered copies.