Nov 08, 2011 - Sale 2260

Sale 2260 - Lot 15

Unsold
Estimate: $ 2,000 - $ 3,000
(AVANT-GARDE, CZECH MODERNIST.) Capek, Josef. Group of 30 volumes with covers designed by Capek, including 2 maquettes for cover designs in gouache. Small 8vo, original linocut wrappers featuring colorful, graphic designs for works by Czech authors, and European and American literature in translation. Condition generally quite good, spines and edges with occasional wear. Includes duplicates. Prague, 1920s

Additional Details

Capek is best known for his graphic design work, but was also involved in various artistic disciplines and was recognized as an accomplished author, journalist, editor, painter, stage decorator, illustrator, caricaturist, and art critic. During World War I, in an effort to search for new forms of artistic expression, Capek turned to prose and graphic work, focusing on book illustration and design. In so doing, he led the way towards a new concept of avant-garde book design. This group represents some of his best work of that date. See John A. Vloemans, The Book Art of Josef Capek. The Hague, 2006.