Salvador Dalí (1904–1989)
Pierre de Ronsard – Les Amours de Cassandre
Éditions Argillet, Paris, 1968
Copy No. 119 / 299
An exceptional complete deluxe copy of one of Salvador Dalí's most important illustrated books, published by Éditions Argillet in Paris in 1968. Les Amours de Cassandre brings together the celebrated Renaissance love poetry of Pierre de Ronsard with Dalí's extraordinary mastery of original intaglio printmaking, resulting in one of the finest livres d'artistes of the twentieth century.
This example is copy no. 119 from the total edition of only 299 signed copies. It belongs to the highly desirable issue of 75 copies printed on tinted Arches paper, distinguished by the inclusion of an additional suite of ten full-page engravings printed in black.
The portfolio is complete with 28 original drypoint engravings by Salvador Dalí, comprising:
18 original drypoint engravings illustrating the poems
10 full-page hors-texte plates
8 engraved compositions integrated within the text
An additional suite of 10 full-page drypoint engravings printed in black, exclusive to this deluxe issue.
The justification page is hand-signed and dated in pencil by Salvador Dalí, while the plates bear the publisher's embossed seal incorporating Dalí's signature. The work is preserved in its original publisher's format with the embossed wrappers, the gilt-illustrated green cloth chemise and the matching original slipcase.
Executed entirely in drypoint, one of the most technically demanding intaglio processes, these engravings demonstrate Dalí's remarkable precision, expressive line and surreal imagination. His interpretation of Ronsard's celebrated sonnets transforms classical French poetry into a dreamlike visual narrative, making this publication one of the defining achievements of his collaboration with the renowned publisher Pierre Argillet.
The deluxe edition with the additional suite is considerably scarcer than the standard issue and is especially sought after by collectors because of its limited circulation, complete suite of original engravings and signed justification page.
Bibliography
Michler & Löpsinger: Nos. 248–265
Field: 68-2
Edition Details
Publisher: Éditions Argillet, Paris
Year: 1968
First edition
Complete portfolio in loose-leaf format
Edition limited to 299 signed copies
Copy No. 119
One of only 75 deluxe copies on tinted Arches paper
Complete with 28 original drypoint engravings
Includes the rare additional suite of 10 black drypoint engravings
Original embossed wrappers, publisher's chemise and illustrated cloth slipcase present.
A complete Mint deluxe copy from this rare issue represents one of the finest and most desirable illustrated books produced during Salvador Dalí's long collaboration with Pierre Argillet, combining exceptional printmaking, literary importance and outstanding collector appeal.
