Georges Braque; Andre Verdet (preface) - Braque Espaces - 1957

Georges Braque – Espaces (1957)
Complete Large Folio Portfolio Hand-Signed by Georges Braque
Published in Paris in 1957 by Au Vent d'Arles, Espaces is widely regarded as one of the most prestigious, desirable and elusive portfolios dedicated to Georges Braque. Issued in an exceptionally limited edition and presented in an impressive large folio format measuring approximately 41 × 50 cm, it represents one of the finest achievements of French deluxe art publishing of the post-war period.
Created in collaboration with the poet André Verdet, the portfolio brings together thirteen compositions selected from Braque's drawings, wash drawings and watercolours, expressing the serene and poetic visual language that characterizes the artist's mature years. Every detail of the publication reflects an uncompromising commitment to quality, from its luxurious presentation to the exceptional materials employed in its production.
The portfolio was produced under the direction of the celebrated master printer Daniel Jacomet, whose workshop achieved international recognition for its extraordinary craftsmanship. The complete suite of thirteen Jacomet pochoirs demonstrates the remarkable refinement of this highly sophisticated process, faithfully conveying the richness of colour, transparency and subtle tonal variations that define Braque's original compositions.
Printed on handmade Richard de Bas laid paper, specially watermarked for this edition, Espaces embodies the highest standards of French artistic publishing. The historic Richard de Bas paper mill supplied some of the most distinguished deluxe editions of the twentieth century, making the choice of paper an essential element of the portfolio's prestige.
The edition was completed on 27 June 1957 and strictly limited to only 320 copies, comprising:
300 numbered copies
20 Hors Commerce copies
The present example is Copy No. 80 of the edition of 300 and bears Georges Braque's original handwritten signature on the justification page, an important characteristic found only on a limited number of examples and one that significantly enhances its desirability among collectors.
Contents
Original publisher's large linen-covered portfolio with ribbon ties.
Original title page.
Original justification page, numbered 80/300 and hand-signed by Georges Braque.
Preface by André Verdet.
Complete suite of 13 Jacomet pochoirs.
Original protective tissues and all publisher-issued components.
Historical Importance
Espaces occupies a distinguished place within Georges Braque's artistic legacy and is considered one of the finest deluxe portfolios devoted to his work. The collaboration between Braque, André Verdet and Daniel Jacomet resulted in a publication of exceptional artistic and technical quality, uniting outstanding craftsmanship with one of the defining visual languages of twentieth-century French art.
Because of its strictly limited edition, monumental format, luxurious production and the exceptional quality of the Jacomet pochoirs, Espaces has long been regarded as one of the rarest and most sought-after portfolios associated with Georges Braque. Over the decades, numerous portfolios have been dismantled, with the individual pochoirs dispersed separately, making complete surviving examples preserved in their original publisher's portfolio increasingly difficult to obtain.
This example is particularly desirable, combining complete originality, the original publisher's portfolio, the full suite of thirteen pochoirs, and Braque's autograph on the justification page, attributes that place it among the most collectible examples of this landmark publication.
Bibliographical Details
Artist: Georges Braque (1882–1963)
Title: Espaces
Text: André Verdet
Publisher: Au Vent d'Arles, Paris
Printer: Daniel Jacomet
Date: 1957
Format: Large folio, approximately 41 × 50 cm
Paper: Handmade Richard de Bas laid paper, specially watermarked for the edition
Edition: 300 numbered copies and 20 Hors Commerce copies
Copy: No. 80/300, hand-signed by Georges Braque on the justification page
Contents: Complete portfolio with thirteen Jacomet pochoirs, preserved in the original publisher's linen portfolio with ribbon ties.
Very few examples left intact