Seen right is one of 13 coloured lithographs by Marc Chagall that make up Tales from the Arabian Nights, a special, deluxe portfolio printed by Albert Carman and published by Pantheon Books in New York in 1948.
One of 11 lettered examples in which 13 large plates illustrate the text, rather than the dozen found in the standard issue of 90 copies, it was the publisher, Kurt Wolff’s own set. Each of the lithographs are signed, annotated and inscribed G/8 in pencil to the lower margin.
Loose as issued in original printed paper wrappers and slipcase and with the colours still fresh, this rare item sold for a low estimate $250,000 (£203,915) in a print sale held on March 2 by Swann (25/20/12% buyer’s premium).