PASSERON (Roger) — AVATI (Mario). Mario Avati. Engravings, 1 - Lot 222

PASSERON (Roger) — AVATI (Mario). Mario Avati. Engravings, 1947–1954. Foreword by Jean Adhémar, Chief Curator of the Print Room at the National Library. Paris, La Bibliothèque des Arts, 1977. Large quarto, publisher’s blue cloth binding, illustrated color dust jacket, in a gray slipcase. First volume of the catalog raisonné of Mario Avati’s prints, compiled by Roger Passeron. The complete catalog raisonné will ultimately consist of seven volumes covering the artist’s graphic work from 1947 to 1999. This first volume catalogs 116 prints created between 1947 and 1954, extensively reproduced and described along with their various states, dimensions, and print runs. This is an important collection of works documenting the early years of Mario Avati’s (1921–2009) graphic art, a period during which his preference for the “manière noire” technique gradually emerged—a technique in which he would become one of the leading contemporary practitioners. The reproductions allow readers to trace the various successive states of the prints. Limited edition of 650 copies on vellum, numbered 1 through 650, plus 50 non-commercial copies. The first 15 copies were accompanied by an original drawing and two signed original engravings; copies 16 through 55 were accompanied by two signed original engravings. One of the 595 copies of the regular edition on vellum, no. 223, without an added original engraving. The book was completed on April 30, 1977, by Paul Attinger in Neuchâtel; the engravings were reproduced by Atesa-Argraf in Geneva. A fine copy, complete with its illustrated dust jacket and original slipcase. Very good overall condition; slight scuffing and minor signs of wear on the slipcase; dust jacket slightly marked at the edges.