Georges Rouault

The complete set of the very rare undescribed working proofs before the published edition of 250, comprising 12 aquatints printed in colours, 1936-8, all before the reduction of the platemark (apart from C. & R. 285), with significant differences in colouring and variations in the black, before the addition of the monogram and date (apart from C. & R. 278), C. & R. 282 with extensive hand-colouring in black, C. & R. 274 heavily annotated in ink with the printer's instructions, C. & R. 283 inscribed '1' in pencil by the printer, C. & R. 277, 278, and 284 with the outline of the reduced plate printed in black, printed by R. Lacourière, Paris, on Montval wove paper (apart from C. & R. 274 and 285 on Montval laid paper), loose (as issued) in later portfolio box

With full margins, each in good condition, minor imperfections include slight surface dirt towards extreme sheet edges, some with the plate mark slightly broken through in places, the occasional soft crease and minute nick at extreme sheet edges, occasional pale handling marks in margins and verso, unframed. Individual observations include: C. & R. 274 [Nu de profil]: a small pale stain in lower right corner of margin. This impression is heavily annotated in ink with the printer's instructions: 'Essai fait il y a un an Aneune couleur un__ pour vos petits planches nous n'aurons aucun coup de planche le__ on l'acier plutos depassant le papier'. Plate: 348 by 247mm; Sheet: 447 by 342mm. C. & R. 275 [Femme fière]: possibly remargined with new paper. Plate: 345 by 250mm; sheet: 440 by 335mm. C. & R. 276 [Courtisane aux yeux baissés]: plate: 350 by 250mm; sheet: 440 by 340mm. C. & R. 277 [Fière autant qu'un vivant, de sa noble stature...>>]: plate: 350 by 245mm; sheet: 440 by 340mm. C. & R. 278 [Laquais(?)]: a small loss at right sheet edge (measuring approx. 15mm). Plate: 345 by 245mm; sheet; 440 by 340mm. C. & R. 279 [Juges]: a small pressure mark in upper margin. Plate: 345 by 245mm; sheet: 445 by 335mm. C. & R. 280 [Trio]: two small stains at left verso, one showing through slightly recto. Plate: 345 by 250mm; sheet; 445 by 340mm. C. & R. 281 [Paysage à la tour]: two small horizontal tears at left sheet edge, largest measuring approx. 3mm. Plate: 350 by 245mm; sheet; 440 by 340mm. C. & R. 282 [Christ (de face)]: with extensive hand-colouring in black gouache, a diagonal crease in lower right corner. Plate: 345 by 250mm; sheet: 445 by 335mm. C. & R. 283 [Les trois croix]: plate: 350 by 250mm; sheet: 445 by 340mm. C. & R. 284 [Passion]: plate: 350 by 240mm; sheet; 4445 by 335mm. C. & R. 285 [Tombeau]: plate: 350 by 240mm; sheet 445 by 335mm.
"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. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."