SIgned; Robert Mapplethorpe - Galerie Jurka, Amsterdam - 1979

Robert Mapplethorpe (1946–1989) – Personally Signed Exhibition Catalogue – Galerie Jurka, Amsterdam, 1979

Rare early exhibition catalogue, personally signed by Robert Mapplethorpe in blue ink on the title page.

Published by Galerie Jurka, Amsterdam, in 1979, on the occasion of Mapplethorpe's exhibition at the gallery.

This early publication documents an important period in the photographer's career, featuring his celebrated portraits, flower studies and explorations of the human body.

The catalogue includes striking black-and-white photographs, reproduced in high-quality duotone lithography, accompanied by an introductory text by Rein von der Fuhr, dated Amsterdam, April 1979.

The signature:

The title page bears Robert Mapplethorpe's handwritten signature in blue ink.

Given the catalogue's publication and exhibition context, it is plausible that the signature was obtained during the artist's 1979 exhibition at Galerie Jurka in Amsterdam.

A particularly desirable feature of this early publication, dating from Mapplethorpe's lifetime and his formative years as an internationally recognised photographer.

Bibliographical details:

Robert Mapplethorpe – Foto's / Photographs
Galerie Jurka, Amsterdam, 1979
54 numbered pages
Text in Dutch and English
Black-and-white duotone reproductions
ISBN 90-70283-01-8

Condition:

Complete copy with significant binding damage. The spine is largely detached and numerous pages are loose. The covers show creases, edge wear and general signs of handling and age.

Importantly, the photographic reproductions are in very good condition. The original signed title page is present and well preserved. Please examine the detailed photographs, which form an integral part of the condition description.

An early, personally signed Mapplethorpe exhibition catalogue from 1979 – an interesting collector's item despite its binding damage.

Professinally packaging, registered shipping.