Hans Bellmer

(Paris: Les Éditions Premières, 1949, an edition of 16 hors commerce copies and 136 numbered copies), a book with text by Paul Eluard, illustrated with 15 mounted hand-colored photographs and one hand-colored cut-out photograph on the title page by Hans Bellmer. 4to, original glassine-covered wrappers with printed title band and mounted, hand-colored, cut out photograph by Hans Bellmer, signed in pencil by the photographer and stamped '064' on the colophon

Martin Parr and Gerry Badger, The Photobook: A History, Volume 1 (London, 2004), p. 107

Obliques, Numéro Special Bellmer (Paris, 1975), pp. 99 and 101-4

Surrealism: Desire Unbound (Princeton, 2002), pp. 203, 212 and 214-5

The hand-colored prints included in this volume are in generally excellent condition. The colors are vibrant and saturated, with no apparent fading. There are minor traces of adhesive at the edges of the prints from mounting. The pages are faintly age-darkened and the edges are slightly wavy. This does not affect the prints. The spine of the volume has a 1/2-inch scratch. There is light wear at the spine ends that has been retouched with black ink. There are two stray ink deposits on the title-page. There is a 'Akimitsu Naruyama, Gallery Naruyama' stamp on the rear free endpaper. Specific condition notes are as follows: . page 27: There is a one-inch crease at the center of the print that is only visible in high raking light. This likely occurred during mounting and does not break the emulsion. . page 39: There are two small deposits of indeterminate nature on the print. . page 51: There is a tiny loss at the tip of the lower left corner of the print. . page 55: In high raking light, age-appropriate silvering is visible along the edge. . page 63: In high raking light, age-appropriate silvering is visible along the edge. . page 75: The print has a tiny bumped spot only visible in raking light.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.