Beauregard de Philippe Jaccottet 1981

The 1981 original illustrated book titled "Beauregard" represents a remarkable collaboration between two artistic giants: Zao Wou-Ki, the renowned Chinese-French painter and printmaker, and Philippe Jaccottet, the celebrated Swiss poet. This limited edition work is numbered 105 out of 120 on vélin d’Arches paper and is notable for its blend of literary and visual artistry.

Zao Wou-Ki: The Artist

Zao Wou-Ki (1920–2013) was a master of lyrical abstraction, combining Eastern calligraphic traditions with Western modernist movements. His work often evokes a sense of fluidity and balance between abstract landscapes and inner emotional states. By the time of this collaboration, Zao Wou-Ki had already established himself as a leading figure in the international art world, particularly known for his prints and engravings, which brought his dynamic style to the intimate scale of the book.

In "Beauregard", Zao Wou-Ki contributed five gravures, showcasing his expertise in etching and aquatint techniques. These illustrations are not mere visual accompaniments to the text; they are integral to the book’s atmosphere, echoing the lyrical and reflective tone of Jaccottet’s poetry. The frontispiece of the book, which is signed by the artist, is particularly significant, as it captures the essence of Zao Wou-Ki’s abstract landscape motifs—inviting the reader to enter a meditative space where visual and poetic imagery merge.

Philippe Jaccottet: The Poet

Philippe Jaccottet (1925–2021) is revered for his quiet yet profound explorations of nature, existence, and the passage of time. His poetry often reflects a deep connection to the natural world, where landscape and language intertwine to evoke a sense of mystery and transcendence. Jaccottet’s work is known for its subtlety, clarity, and philosophical depth, qualities that make it an ideal complement to Zao Wou-Ki’s art.

"Beauregard" is a poetic reflection, likely inspired by Jaccottet’s experiences and contemplations in nature, resonating with the themes of beauty, perception, and the fleeting moments of life. The collaboration with Zao Wou-Ki enhances the reader’s experience, as the abstract gravures create an emotional and visual resonance with the poetry, leading to a rich, multi-sensory engagement with the text.

Production and Printing

This finely crafted edition was printed with meticulous attention to detail. The typography was handled by Robert Blanchet, a noted French typographer, ensuring that the text’s presentation matched the elegance of Jaccottet’s poetry and Zao Wou-Ki’s artwork. The gravures were printed by the esteemed Lacourière et Frélaut workshop, renowned for its work with prominent artists of the 20th century. The atelier’s mastery in printing delicate and complex etchings allowed Zao Wou-Ki’s artwork to come alive on the page, preserving the depth and texture of his original plates.

Rarity and Collectibility

This edition of "Beauregard" is extremely rare, with only 120 copies printed on vélin d’Arches paper, a high-quality, smooth paper often used for fine art prints and luxury books. Each copy is numbered, adding to its exclusivity, and the inclusion of a signed frontispiece by Zao Wou-Ki further enhances its value. The bibliographic reference Agerup 307 à 311 refers to the cataloging of Zao Wou-Ki’s prints, ensuring the book’s place in the official documentation of the artist’s oeuvre.

Collectors prize this edition not only for its artistic and literary merit but also for its craftsmanship and rarity. The collaboration between Zao Wou-Ki and Philippe Jaccottet represents a harmonious fusion of visual art and poetry, making "Beauregard" a sought-after piece in the world of fine art books and illustrated editions.

This edition stands as a testament to the enduring appeal of artist-poet collaborations and continues to be appreciated by connoisseurs of modern art and literature.

Illustrated Book - Lyrical Abstraction - Literature

Numbered 105 out of 120 on arched vellum with 5 engravings, the frontispiece being signed by the artist, printed on the presses of Robert Blanchet for typography and the Lacourière and Frélaut workshop for engravings. Bibliography: Agerup 307 to 311

Maeght

Very good condition