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Add a touch of literary and art history to your collection with this rare, signed New York Review of Books …
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Add a touch of literary and art history to your collection with this rare, signed New York Review of Books (NYRB) bookplate print of Pablo Picasso, created by American master illustrator David Levin.
This signed original bookplate drawing from The New York Review of Books, dating to approximately 1965. David Levin has been called "the wittiest caricaturist since Max Beerbohm". His caricatures and drawings have been a feature of The New York Review of Books since it began regular publication in September 1963. David Levin was born in 1926, graduated from the Tyler School of Fine Arts, Philadelphia in 1949.
This sketch offers the artist's unique illustration of Picasso created for a bookplate (often found inside the covers of personal libraries). The subject, Pablo Picasso, is captured in Levin's signature highly textured and expressive style, emphasizing form, line, and personality rather than minute detail. This artwork is a rare find with verified archival context, serving as a powerful story piece within a curated interior. The bookplate is signed lower left of sketched figure.
Key Features:
Artwork: This is an authentic, bookplate sketch by American master illustrator David Levin. Iconic Subject: Pablo Picasso: A rare opportunity to own an original likeness of one of the 20th century's defining artists, captured by a master contemporary.
Mid-Century Style: The sketch showcases Levin’s signature energetic line work and textured application on aged, off-white paper, typical of 1960s commercial art studies.
Circa 1965: The approximate date of this drawing grounds the piece in the peak of Levin's career and the vibrant mid-century modern art scene.
Matted and Framed: The 8x10 sketch is professionally matted and presented in a simple, elegant dark frame that highlights the vintage nature of the paper.
Collectors of 20th Century Art: A compelling addition to collections focused on Picasso, mid-century illustration, or American masters.
Art History Enthusiasts: A tangible connection to the history of book illustration and portraiture.
Gallery Wall Anchor: Provides immediate weight and a conversational focal point in an artful grouping.
Palette: The black ink on aged paper provides a sharp, neutral counterpoint to the greens, blues, and warm brass tones of the collection. Note: Slight discoloration in lower right corner of paper. Not seen in matted and framed display.
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- Dimensions
- 11ʺW × 1ʺD × 14ʺH
- Styles
- Figurative
- Minimalist
- Frame Type
- Framed
- Art Subjects
- Figure
- Period
- 1960s
- Country of Origin
- United States
- Item Type
- Vintage, Antique or Pre-owned
- Materials
- Drawing/Sketching Materials
- Paper
- Condition
- Good Condition, Original Condition Unaltered, Some Imperfections
- Color
- Antique White
- Condition Notes
- This is a Bookplate Print (from the NYRB): This is a high-quality, authorized, printed reproduction of an original drawing, produced … moreThis is a Bookplate Print (from the NYRB): This is a high-quality, authorized, printed reproduction of an original drawing, produced specifically to be used as a bookplate (a label pasted into a book to show ownership). While it is "on paper," and it is a "drawing" (in style), it is a print, not the primary original work created by David Levin. This compelling bookplate drawing from The New York Review of Books, dating to approximately 1965 is a true artifact of mid-century American illustration. Created c.1965 by renowned artist David Levin, this 8x10 drawing captures Pablo Picasso with visceral energy and textured line work. It is signed (as is common for bookplate preliminary studies or archival proofs), its authentic origin and subject matter provide undeniable historical significance and provenance. The sketch is rendered in black ink on aged, textured paper, showcasing a natural patina that speaks to its history. Professionally matted and framed in a refined dark molding, this artwork is a unique "refined object" designed for serious collectors and designers looking to ground an interior space with depth and authenticity. Keywords: David Levin Illustration, Pablo Picasso Portrait, Mid-Century Modern Art, Bookplate Art, Vintage 1960s Drawing, Art History, Archival Art, Matted and Framed Art, Curated Collection, American Illustrator. Dimensions: Artwork approx. 8"H x 10"W (Unframed), Matted and Framed to approx. (Framed dimensions, e.g., 14"H x 11"W). less
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