Arcana:

(CALDER, ALEXANDER). Miro, Joan, Cleve Gray & Alexander Calder. New York: Art in America & Perls Gallery, 1964. First Edition. Folio. Loose Plates in Portfolio. Artist Monograph. Good/No Jacket - As Issued. np (4pp), 1 b&w illustration + 16 b&w offset lithographic plates laid into a decorative cloth portfolio. In a protective clear acetate dustwrapper. "Calder's Circus" was the miniature installation of whimsical wire figures created by American artist Alexander Calder during the twenties and thirties. Co-published by Calder's longtime New York gallerist Klaus Perls and "Art in America" magazine in conjunction with a 1964 exhibition of vintage circus-related works on paper held at Perls Galleries, "16 Circus Drawings" reproduces sixteen drawings from 1931 and 1932 as offset lithographs in black ink on heavy cream-colored paper housed in a decorative cloth portfolio. An internally handsome, well-preserved example of the exceedingly uncommon 1964 trade edition - issued unsigned and unnumbered - into which a lovely copy of the Perls Galleries announcement additionally BOLDLY SIGNED AND DATED "CA / dato 13 Oct 64" in blue ink by the artist for a member of the Perls staff at the opening has been laid in. The yellow portfolio interior is still bright with the three plastic clips designed to hold the plates in place complete and present, while the exterior cloth shows some wear, abrading, soiling, and traces of moisture. It has been priced accordingly. Inventory Number: 025683