Art Institute of Chicago THE ART INSTITUTE OF CHICAGO: 100 MASTERPIECES: CHAGALL, O'KEEFFE, ETAL.

Rand McNally, 1978. Privately printed. Beautiful set. Signed by world-famous artists Marc Chagall (1887-1985), Georgia O'Keeffe (1887-1986), Joan Miro (1893-1983), Ivan Albright (1897-1983) and W. de Kooning (1904-1997). Limited Numbered First Deluxe Edition, Signed by Illustrator. Binding: Full Leather. Book Condition: Fine. Jacket Condition: No Jacket as Issued. Slipcase Condition: Clamshell Near Fine+. Size: Folio - over 12" - 15" tall. A very rare magnificent book in fine condition signed by five of the world's greatest artists: Marc Chagall, Georgia O'Keeffe, Joan Miro, Ivan Albright and W. de Kooning on the occasion of the 100th birthday of the Art Institute of Chicago in 1979. The signatures are original and are each on a separate page. In addition, the great Marc Chagall signed and dated his signature, "Pour Art Inst. Chicago, Marc Chagall, 1979." First printing deluxe edition (so stated), copy # 9 of 100 total copies issued as one of four major events celebrating the Art Institute's 100th birthday, according to David C. Hilliard, Life Trustee of the Art Institute of Chicago. According to Mr. Hilliard, the deluxe books were sold to in good part, to buy an Indian sculpture in honor of Board Chairman James Alsdorf and his wife Marilyn. Per Hilliard: "There is a good story connected with the book. We sent a young man down to visit Georgia O'Keefe and ask for her agreement to participate. Georgia could be prickly, so we chose as our envoy a young man whose father had given her the land on which she had her house and studio. And indeed he was given a warm reception and tour. When they parted, Georgia said she would sign... but then added "If you will tell me the location of my painting that I gave to the Art Institute, 'East River from the Shelton.'" We were overjoyed and asked the American Arts Department to let us see it. As Georgia knew, it had presumably been stolen years before, and a full search could not locate it. But she relented (I think she enjoyed her joke) and signed the books anyway!" Printed and bound by RR Donnelley & Sons' Lakeside Press. Bound in very fine dark red Morocco leather with a matching dark red Morocco leather and moire cloth publisher-issued clamshell case with gold gilt design of a lion in bas-relief on the front panel. This original custom-made case is striking and quite substantial with a lift-up top and side-opening panel. The case measures approx. 12" x 15" x 3" deep and overall weighs about 10 lb. The book measures 10.5" x 14." This large book contains beautiful color reproductions of 100 of the most magnificent art treasures that the Art Institute of Chicago holds in trust, including paintings by the artists who autographed the book. The case shows some rubbing/wear at the edges but is firm and beautiful. The art world has now lost all of these great artists but in this book their signatures and their paintings live on. A very special and rare set. Scarce. Parrish Books guarantees all signatures as authentic.