'Henri Matisse: Dessins. Themes et Variations' Rare book or time machine?

It’s not unusual for a book to show the expanse of an artist’s work but Henri Matisse: Dessins. Themes et Variations, published in 1943 and limited to 950 copies offers something more intimate.

Dessins. Themes et Variations is a portfolio of drawings consisting of 158 plates produced in lithography and presented on single loose leaf pages. Comprising 17 themes and variations of each subject, the drawings executed over a short period of two years act as a record to the artist’s commitment to draw every day and a life devoted to line.

Henri Matisse ‘Dessins. Themes et Variations’ 1943

Louis Aragon, Martin Fabiani (ed.) Henri Matisse Dessins: Thèmes et Variations Martin Fabiani, Paris, 1943 — Louis Aragon, Martin Fabiani (ed.) *Henri Matisse Dessins: Thèmes et Variations* Martin Fabiani, Paris, 1943 / From the James C. Sourris, AM, Collection of Rare Books, purchased with funds from James C. Sourris, AM, through the Queensland Art Gallery Foundation 2011 / Collection: QAGOMA Research Library

QAGOMA Research Library

The QAGOMA Research Library is located on Level 3 of the Gallery of Modern Art (GOMA). Open to the public Tuesday to Friday 10.00am to 5.00pm. visit us in person or explore the online catalogue. Access to special collections is available by appointment.

Jacklyn Young is Librarian (Collections), QAGOMA

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