Matisse’s Cinquante Dessins (1920): Etching, Reproductions and Copy Evidence

Cinquante Dessins brings together Matisse’s work in drawing and print. For collectors, its separate original etching, reproduced drawings and individual copy history deserve separate attention.

Identify the 1920 publication

Breething Books records two copies of the Paris 1920 edition, numbered 628 and 492 within an edition of 1,000. Both are cataloged in original paper wrappers with one original etching in black. The catalog cites Duthuit, Livres illustrés, no. 2. The National Gallery of Art also identifies its Cinquante dessins as 1920 and cites Duthuit/Garnaud no. 2.

An original etching and reproduced drawings

The etching and the reproductions use different print processes. Describe them separately when comparing copies; the presence of an original etching does not turn the other illustrations into original etchings.

There is a counting discrepancy worth retaining: our two descriptions state fifty reproduced drawings, while the National Gallery describes its bound copy as one etching and forty-nine photomechanical reproductions. These notes do not resolve that difference or certify either catalog copy’s illustration count. A physical collation against the bibliography is needed, with the treatment of preliminary illustrations recorded.

Unopened is a copy-specific description

Copy 628 is cataloged as unopened; that qualification does not apply to copy 492. Unopened folds limit the interior evidence available without intervention. Do not cut leaves simply to check a count; discuss examination with an appropriate book conservator. Copy 492 has its own recorded wrapper tears and staining, which should be assessed independently.

Provenance belongs to the copy

The two listings record descent through Pierre Matisse, Pierre-Noël Matisse and Jacquelyn Miller Matisse. That history describes these copies, not every example of the edition. Keep documentary evidence with the copy record.

Copy 628: catalog and photographs · Copy 492: catalog and photographs · Henri Matisse

Research source

National Gallery of Art: Cinquante dessins, accession 2014.112.17. Museum-copy details are comparative evidence, not an authentication of our copies.

These edition notes remain available after a particular copy sells. Consult the linked item page for current availability, photographs and its condition report.

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