Santa Claus.

£6,500 · Offered by Shapero Rare Books

all the plates signed by Calder A fine example of the complete portfolio of Calder's illustrations for Cumming's play Santa Claus. Santa Claus was originally published by Cummings in 1946 and is an allegory in five scenes. The characters are Death, Santa Claus, the Crowd, the Child and the Woman and was inspired by Cumming's reunion with his daughter Nancy after a bitter divorce. Alexander Calder illustrates this monumental artist's book with nine full-page etchings, whose simplified linear motifs deftly convey the emotional power of the story. Limited edition, number 172 on grand vélin d'Arches from a total edition of 175, large folio (66 x 50.8 cm); 9 etchings each signed by Calder in pencil; loose as issued in brown printed wrappers and brown cloth box with Calder's design to upper cover and title to spine, a fine copy.

• Binding: Hardcover

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