PBA Galleries

Illustrations in color and black & white throughout. (Folio) original dark red padded leather, spine lettered in gilt, all edges gilt, housed in a matching leather over wood box with gilt lion on the lid, drop-down fore edge. No. 60 of 100 deluxe copies.

Signed, as issued, by five of the world's greatest artists: Marc Chagall (1887-1985), Georgia O'Keeffe (1887-1986), Joan Miro (1893-1983), Ivan Albright (1897-1983) and W. de Kooning (1904-1997) on the occasion of the 100th birthday of the Art Institute of Chicago in 1979.  Each signature is on a separate page. In addition, Marc Chagall signed and dated his signature, "Pour Art Inst. Chicago, Marc Chagall, 1979." One of 100 total copies issued as one of four major events celebrating the Art Institute's 100th birthday, according to David C. Hilliard, Life Trustee of the Art Institute of Chicago who headed the project.  According to Mr. Hilliard, the deluxe books were sold, in good part, to buy an Indian sculpture in honor of Board Chairman James Alsdorf and his wife Marilyn. Per Hilliard: "There is a good story connected with the book. We sent a young man down to visit Georgia O'Keefe and ask for her agreement to participate. Georgia could be prickly, so we chose as our envoy a young man whose father had given her the land on which she had her house and studio. And indeed he was given a warm reception and tour. When they parted, Georgia said she would sign... but then added "If you will tell me the location of my painting that I gave to the Art Institute, 'East River from the Shelton.'" We were overjoyed and asked the American Arts Department to let us see it.  As Georgia knew, it had presumably been stolen years before, and a full search could not locate it. But she relented (I think she enjoyed her joke) and signed the books anyway!" Printed and bound by RR Donnelley & Sons' Lakeside Press.