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

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

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

Autographs and Drawings (The “Enrichments”)
What gives this set its unique value are the personalized dedications (envois) and the original works added by the artists by hand on the endpaper or title pages: Dedication to Fernand Debout: A signed sending by André Verdet, enriched with an original drawing by his own hand Les Atamanes. Dedications to Maurice Houdayer: Two distinct envois intended for the same close associate. The first is signed by André Verdet with a sketch. The second is signed by Jean Carzu, also accompanied by an original sketch.

Such a copy, which includes original drawings by both artists and dedications to identified recipients (likely close friends, publishers, or critics of the time), is a rare collectible piece. In the world of rare books, these additions transform a limited-edition book into a one-of-a-kind work of art.

Rarity: Finding the five original etchings gathered in their original binding (in sheets under a blue cloth case), and especially enriched with three original sketches as in your previous copy, makes it a highly sought-after total artwork.

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

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

A foremost bibliophile: Fernand Debout was a passionate collector of original editions and “art books” (poetry volumes printed in extremely limited runs and illustrated by great painters). He actively sought what are called association copies: books enriched by the authors themselves.

A confidant of Côte d’Azur artists: At the time, the poet André Verdet lived in Saint-Paul-de-Vence, a hub of modern and contemporary art / Cordes... He was at the heart of an immense artistic network, daily rubbing shoulders with Picasso, Chagall, Miró, and also Jean Carzou, a hub of modern and contemporary art / Cordes... Fernand Debout was among the collectors or friends to whom the artists liked to make a “send-off” (a warm dedication) accompanied by an original drawing to thank him for his support or to seal their friendship.

This work is an exceptional work of art!