Effleurage.
(Leeds, MA): Gehenna Press, 1989. Quarto. (13)pp, (25)ff. One of thirty-eight copies. A collection of etchings of cats by the Italian artist Anna Maria Bartolini, some of which are printed on pink mulberry paper and tipped in. All are signed by the artist in graphite. Some of the cats are anthropomorphized, and others abstracted into bold lines. Bartolini's cats are expressive, with individual personalities and characteristics: one, with long eyelashes, gazes wide-eyed at a winged insect, while another narrows its eyes hungrily at a fish dangling from a hook. The etchings were printed in Florence, Italy. In the Introduction, the Florentine poet and novelist Mario Graziano Parri explores the roles and symbolism of cats throughout history. He writes of Bartolini, "The Author of the engravings which are the reason for this book does not love cats. She is attracted rather by their mystery." Although not called for, this copy has been inscribed on the colophon by Leonard Baskin to a well known collector of cat books. About fine in gray patterned paper over flexible boards, with a gilt-titled gray morocco lettering piece to the spine. Housed in a matching darker gray box covered with patterned paper, which shows some rubbing to extremities. A scarce title from the Gehenna Press. Item #25440
Price: $1,500.00