Lithographie originale « Les Lépreuses » de soldes Kees Van Dongen (1877-1968)

For your consideration, a circa 1947 lithograph by Kees VanDongen (1877-1968)one of a limited edition of 372 copiesof LES LÉPREUSES, GALLIMARD, PARIS, 1947(JUFFERMANS JB 11) with text by Heny de Montherlant. The lithograph is in good vintage condition commensuratewith age, one rust stain (see photos) and measures 13” x 10", framed 18” x 15 ½” . The work features a strolling turn of thecentury Parisian couple and is rendered in subtle shades of ochre, cinnamon,and chocolate browns. Original gallery label affixed to verso.

Leslepreuses(1939), the fourth andfinal part of the controversial cycle of novelsLes jeunes fillesbyHenry de Montherlant, was published in 1947 by NRF/Gallimard in a limitededition, illustrated by the artist. The lithographs for this work were printedin the studio of Fernand Mourlot (1895-1988), just like Van Dongens otherbooks. Mourlot printed the work of nearly all the great artists in Paris,making his name as executor and promoter of lithography. In Mourlots studio,Van Dongen drew and painted the various colour states for his lithographs. Theresult forLes lepreusescould be called typical Van Dongen. The26 illustrations (cover included) are colourful images of flowers, cats, dogs,naked women, and some beach and restaurant scenes.

TITLE : Les Lepreuses (text by Heny de Montherlant)
EDITOR : NRF, Paris 1946
ILLUSTRATION : original lithograph by Kees VAN DONGEN
PRINTER : Atelier Mourlot
LIMITED : 372 copies
PAPER : BFK Rives vellum
SIZE : 13" x 10"
REFERENCES : Juffermans Kees van Dongen - The Complete Graphic Work JB 11
CONDITION : good vintage condition commensurate with age, one rust stain, seephotos