Victor Vasarely — Naissances, 1963 — Presentation Copy to Alain Bosquet — 2 Signed Serigraphs — No. 4/450

Victor Vasarely — Naissances, 1963

Presentation Copy to Alain Bosquet — No. 4 of 450 — Two Signed Serigraphs

Victor Vasarely (1906–1997)
Naissances
Cologne: Galerie Der Spiegel, 1963

A particularly desirable presentation copy of Vasarely’s important 1963 artist’s book, number 4 of only 450 copies, complete with two loose original serigraphs, each signed in pencil by Victor Vasarely.

This copy is additionally signed and warmly inscribed by Vasarely to the French poet, novelist, and critic Alain Bosquet (1919–1998) on the title page:

“à Alain Bosquet, admirable écrivain 18/12/63”
— Victor Vasarely

The association is especially significant. Earlier in 1963, Bosquet wrote about Vasarely’s collages for the influential Paris newspaper Combat. The dated inscription, made later that same year, strongly suggests that the book may have been personally presented by Vasarely to Bosquet in recognition of their professional and intellectual connection.

Naissances is an early and visually striking expression of Vasarely’s investigations into geometric abstraction, optical perception, repetition, and spatial illusion. The volume contains text in French and German together with 37 linear compositions printed on translucent paper, allowing successive designs to interact visually through overlapping layers.

Also included are the two separately issued black-and-white serigraphs, both preserved loose as intended and individually signed by Vasarely in pencil.

The book was produced at a pivotal moment in Vasarely’s career, shortly before the international emergence of Op Art, the movement with which he would become most closely identified.

Edition: No. 4 of 450 copies
Signed: Two loose serigraphs signed in pencil by Vasarely
Presentation inscription: Signed and inscribed by Vasarely to Alain Bosquet, dated December 18, 1963
Publisher: Galerie Der Spiegel, Cologne
Date: 1963
Language: French and German
Dimensions: 11¾ × 8¼ in. (29.8 × 21 cm)

Original black cardstock wrappers printed in white, with grey endpapers and the original glassine wrapper retained.

Provenance

Alain Bosquet (1919–1998), French poet, novelist, literary critic, and journalist; received directly from Victor Vasarely, with signed presentation inscription dated December 18, 1963.

Condition

Very good overall. The translucent leaves show expected age toning. Two small scratches are present on the lower wrapper panel. The original glassine shows small losses at the corners and a larger open tear at the rear. Internally well preserved, with both signed serigraphs present and in attractive condition.

An exceptional association copy combining an important early Vasarely publication, two original signed prints, and a documented presentation inscription linking the artist to a major figure in postwar French literary culture.