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Exceptional first English edition of Isadora Duncan, published in Milan by Franco Maria Ricci in 1979 as part of the …
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Exceptional first English edition of Isadora Duncan, published in Milan by Franco Maria Ricci in 1979 as part of the celebrated Signs of Man series. Limited to only 3,000 numbered copies, this is copy No. 0019.
More art object than conventional book, this lavishly produced folio combines Alberto Savinio's account of pioneering modern dancer Isadora Duncan with Umberto Di Cristina's critical study of Art Deco sculpture.
The volume is illustrated with 64 tipped-in color plates devoted to the elegant bronze, ivory and chryselephantine dancers associated with the Art Deco era, including works by Demétre Chiparus, Ferdinand Preiss, Claire Colinet, Pierre Le Faguays and other important sculptors.
Duncan's rejection of the rigid conventions of classical ballet in favor of freer, expressive movement and classically inspired dress had a profound influence beyond the stage. Her distinctive poses and flowing movement became important visual sources for artists and sculptors, making this volume an unusual intersection of modern dance history and the great figurative sculpture of the Art Deco period.
The physical production is characteristically sumptuous for Franco Maria Ricci. The volume is printed on pale blue handmade paper produced by the Miliani paper mills at Fabriano, bound in black silk with gilt decoration and a mounted color image, and housed in its original matching silk-covered hinged presentation case.
Published in Milan in 1979. First English edition, translated by John Shepley. Limited edition of 3,000 numbered copies; this example is No. 0019.
An exceptionally decorative collector's volume for admirers of Art Deco sculpture, Chiparus and Preiss figures, Isadora Duncan, dance history, fine printing and the extraordinary book design of Franco Maria Ricci.
Title: Isadora Duncan
Text: Alberto Savinio
Art Deco sculpture study: Umberto Di Cristina
English translation: John Shepley
Publisher: Franco Maria Ricci, Milan
Series: The Signs of Man
Date: 1979
Edition: First English Edition
Limitation: No. 0019 of 3,000 copies
Format: Silk-bound hardcover in original hinged presentation case
Pages: 183
Illustrations: 64 tipped-in color plates
Paper: Handmade paper from the Miliani mills, Fabriano
Language: English
Printed in Italy
Book dimensions: Approx. 14" H × 9.25" W
Case dimensions: Approx. 14.25" H × 10" W × 1.5" D
Approx. weight with case: 5 lb
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- Dimensions
- 10ʺW × 1.5ʺD × 14.25ʺH
- Styles
- Art Deco
- Period
- 1970s
- Country of Origin
- Italy
- Item Type
- Vintage, Antique or Pre-owned
- Materials
- Cardboard
- Silk
- Condition
- Good Condition, Original Condition Unaltered, Some Imperfections
- Color
- Black
- Condition Notes
- Good vintage condition with an attractive, exceptionally well-preserved interior. The binding is firm, gilt decoration remains bright, and the tipped-in … moreGood vintage condition with an attractive, exceptionally well-preserved interior. The binding is firm, gilt decoration remains bright, and the tipped-in color plates are clean and vivid. The front free endpaper—the first blank leaf immediately inside the book—shows noticeable waviness. This is confined to that preliminary page; the remaining text pages and illustrated plates are flat and unaffected. The original hinged presentation case shows light shelf wear, including minor edge and corner wear and a thin surface scuff on the back. Please review photographs closely for condition details. less
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