Penthesilea.

Ars Librorum (Edition de Beauclair), Frankfurt, 1970

Original drypoint etchings from Oskar Kokoschka’s graphic work based on Kleist’s Penthesilea. Suite of 10 etchings, hand numbered and signed by Kokoschka, this is number VII of an edition of XXXV 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 lightly sunned, etchings in pristine condition.

Notes: Since 1966, the Edition de Beauclair has published graphic works by contemporary artists, each in a unique, limited edition. After the illustrations for Aristophanes’ Frogs, this is the second major series of etchings by Kokoschka in the Edition de Beauclair. In the etchings for Kleist’s antique tragedy, Kokoschka explored “the tragedy of the individual who makes the most of his right to self-determination, freedom and error” (publisher's note).