André Verdet / Jean Carzou - CŒUR ÉPRIS CRUEL AMOUR - 1965-1965

This is a typical description for a copy of an association or a head copy of the art book Cœur épris, cruel amour, published in 1965. This work is the fruit of a major collaboration between the poet André Verdet and the painter and illustrator Jean Carzou, famous for his slender, dreamlike Amorosart style.

Main Work: Title: Cœur épris, cruel amour. Publication date: 1965. Artists: Poems by André Verdet accompanied by original drypoints (etchings) by Jean Carzou. The total edition size of this deluxe edition was very limited (usually 130 copies).

The Envois and Autograph Drawings (The "Enrichments")
What gives this set its unique value are the personalized dedications (envois) and the original works added by the artists themselves directly on the endpapers or title pages: Dedication to Fernand Debout: A signed dedication by André Verdet, enriched with an original drawing signed by him, Les Atamanes. Dedications to Maurice Houdayer: Two distinct dedications intended for the same close associate. The first is signed by André Verdet with a sketch. The second is signed by Jean Carzou, also accompanied by an original sketch.

Such a copy, which brings together original drawings by both artists and dedications to identified recipients (likely friends, publishers or critics of the time), is a rare collectible. In the world of rare books, these additions transform a limited edition into a unique work of art in the world.

Rarity: Finding the 5 drypoints gathered in their original binding (in sheets under a blue cloth slipcase), and especially enriched with three original sketches as in your previous copy, makes it a highly sought-after complete work.

The rest of the edition: The remaining 110 copies bear numbers 21 to 130. Cœur épris, cruel amour. Original drypoints by Jean Carzou....

Fernand Debout and Maurice Houdayer (the other dedicator mentioned) both belong to the very select circle of 20th-century French high bibliophily.

A leading bibliophile: Fernand Debout was a passionate collector of original editions and of "art books" (poetry works printed in very limited editions and illustrated by great painters). He actively sought what are called association copies: books enriched by the authors themselves.

A friend of the artists of the Côte d’Azur: At the time, the poet André Verdet lived in Saint-Paul-de-Vence, home to the Modern and Contemporary Art Museum / Cordes.... He was at the heart of a vast artistic network, daily mingling with Picasso, Chagall, Miró, and Jean Carzou. Fernand Debout was among the collectors or friends to whom the artists liked to make an "envoi" (a warm dedication) accompanied by an original drawing to thank him for his support or to seal their friendship.

This work is an exceptional art object!