Brassai

1933 · réf. 2311 — Paris: Arts et Métiers Graphiques 1933. First Edition. Near fine. Spiral-bound Quarto 9 7/8 x 7 1/2 inches 248 x 191 mm 12 pp 62 photogravure plates after photographs by Brassaï each numbered in lower outer corner. Spiral bound stiff card covers without jacket as issued; housed in a custom clamshell case lined in red felt covered in red cloth with morocco spine gilt title. Two-notch chip at bottom of spiral extending into first leaf and one notch at top of spiral; pages lightly toned at the edges but photogravures in excellent condition. 8 pages of text in French by Paul Morand plus a 4 page index with detailed captions for each of the photographs. As beautifully stated in the first line of Paul Morand's introduction to this exceptional collection of photographs: Paris at night is not the negative of the day; the surfaces not not stop being white to become black: in reality they are not even the same images." The 62 photographs by Hungarian-born photographer Brassaï Gyula Halász capture nocturnal scenes throughout Paris - from glowing wet pavement and empty streets to bars cafés and the denizens of Paris at night. This was Brassaï's first published photo book and the work that established his reputation as a master of night photography showcasing his ability to extract light and atmosphere from darkness. A collector's treasure scarce in good condition this is one of the most influential photo books ever produced and is admired not just for its content but for the its productions values: the deep and velvety gravure printing and the evocative layout make it an object of intense tactile and visual appeal. The photogravures are in exceptional condition-richly inked with deep velvety blacks luminous highlights and a striking tonal range that preserves the full atmospheric subtlety of Brassaï's nocturnal vision. The plates retain remarkable clarity and contrast with a vividness and depth seldom found testifying to both the high production standards of Arts et Métiers Graphiques and the care with which this copy has been preserved. Arts et Métiers Graphiques unknown