Matisse’s Jazz: The 1983 MoMA–Braziller Facsimile

A publication’s reproduced date, signature or copy number can easily be mistaken for the identity of the later object in hand. The 1983 MoMA–George Braziller Jazz is a useful example: it preserves features of Matisse’s earlier book while remaining a later facsimile.

Separate 1947 from 1983

MoMA’s October 1983 announcement identifies the original Jazz as a 1947 Tériade publication and describes a new unbound, boxed edition published by George Braziller for the museum. It says the new edition reproduces the twenty plates and Matisse’s handwritten French text, with an introduction by Riva Castleman, a translation by Sophie Hawkes and a facsimile illustrated letter to Tériade.

What the reproduction preserves

The 1947 plates translate Matisse’s cut-paper designs through stencil printing, or pochoir. The later publication reproduces those images. Its historical interest and visual quality do not make its sheets impressions from the 1947 edition. When describing a plate removed from a volume, retain the publication date and identify it as a facsimile reproduction.

Read the reproduced colophon carefully

The Breething Books listing describes its facsimile as based on copy 47 and notes a reproduced Matisse signature. Those reproduced features identify the source represented within the facsimile; they do not establish an autograph by Matisse or a 1947 limitation number for the 1983 object.

Check the complete publication

Compare all twenty compositions, the text, preliminary and supporting material, folio and housing. A plate count alone does not establish completeness of the entire publication. Assess loose-sheet edges, folds, staining and protective housing separately. The catalog records the offered copy’s format and condition; consult its photographs before making a copy-specific assessment.

View the cataloged 1983 facsimile · Henri Matisse · Illustrated Books

Primary research source

MoMA’s October 1983 announcement of the Jazz exhibition and special edition.

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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