STEFAN MROŻEWSKI (1894 - 1975), MIGUEL DE CERVANTES - DON QUIXOTE

CERVANTES SAAVEDRA, Miguel de

THE BIZARRE HIDALGO DON QUIXOTE OF MANCHA: A NOVEL

Part 1

Krakow [1932], Publisher: J. Mortkowicz; Tow. Wydawnicze, pp. XLII, [1], 500, [2], 502a-502b, 503-524, [2], f. plates 14 with woodcuts by Stefan Mrożewski; format 22.5 x 29 cm

Full-page woodcuts on separate plates signed with SM bound monogram.

The first bibliophilic edition of Don Quixote in Poland! Rare!

"Mrożewski worked on these illustrations for several years, starting in 1930. The illustrations to Don Quixote were shown in 1931 at the International Exhibition of the Beautiful Book, organized in Paris by Jakub Mortkowicz. Mrożewski also exhibited them at the Third Exhibition of Polish Graphics, which opened at the Zachęta Gallery on February 6, 1932. He received a prize of 200 zlotys (sic!) for them."

""The wizard of the stylus" created engravings delightful in their charm and uniformity of composition. Scenes, mostly devoid of a foreground, are filled with figures built from soft lines and delicate shades of gray. The illustrations exude tranquility." Literature: A. Pietrzak, "Czarodziej rylca", Warsaw 2004

HARDCOVER FULL CONTEMPORARY LEATHER. DECORATIVE FRONTISPIECE WITH DEEP EMBOSSING AND GILDING, HAND UNDERCUT. SPINE WITH RAISED SCROLLS, DECORATIVE EMBELLISHMENTS AND GILDING. HAND-DYED MARBLED PAPER ON THE LINERS, ALL CARD TRIMS STAINED WITH THE SAME PATTERN. THE INTERIORS OF THE COVERS FINISHED WITH AN INTRICATE GOLD EMBOSSED STENCIL.

DB condition/ pale traces of dampstaining in lower margin, boards gently wavy, A NICE piece.