a) AMRITA SHER GIL, A PAINTED LIFE
By Geeta Doctor, New Delhi: Rupa & Co, 2002
Size: 6.5 x 5 in
b) SHER-GIL
New Delhi: Lalit Kala Akademi, 1965
7-page essay by Baldoon Dhingra + 25 plates
Stiff cards with worn dustjacket
Size: 7 x 5 in
c) AMRITA SHER-GIL
By Karl Khandalavala
BOMBAY: New Book Co.
1944 [Back of title-page says 1945]
Pp 71 + frontispiece portrait + 20 full-page tipped-in colour plates at the end + 3 tipped-in colour plates in the text +5 tipped-in monochromeplates in the text + 8 monochrome plates at the end and numerous line drawings in the text including some full page.
Size: 15 x 11 in
The first full-dress study of Sher-Gil's life and work by her close friend, publishedfour years after her death and carrying extracts from many letters between the two.
The monograph AMRITA SHER-GIL by her close friend KARL KHANDALAVALA [who chose to visit her in the even-now remote town of Saraya close to the Indo-Nepal border and corresponded with her in extenso], published in Bombay four years after her death is a tribute offered with touching affection. The great scholar rues in the introduction that he wished he could reproduce more of her works in colour but for the heavy war-time expense of doing so. The book was issued at the then princely price of Rs 30, which was still low and was underwritten by the publisher. "The publication of this volume at Rs 30 has been made possible by an arrangement for which I must express mygratitude to my dear friend Kaikhushroo Taraporevala of the New Book Co.," he says in the book, adding that "in the normal course of business it would not have been possible to price it at less than Rs 90...But for Mr Fram Poonawala of the CommercialArt Engravers, Bombay, who made the excellent colour blocks and Mr Saddar of Vakil and Sons who carried out the colour printing, the work would have had to be abandoned till the return of normal times. Numerous alternations and proofs had repeatedlyto be made to ensure accuracy and secure that brilliance of colour which dominated the artist's work. I can only express my thanks to them by saying that it was a labour of personal friendship towards me and not a labour for profit. The colour plates have achieved as high a percentage of accuracy as was possible under war time condition, but what is more important they have captured the spirit of the artist's work and I am indebted to Mr George Menezies the colour printer of Vakil and Sons forthe justice he has done to the colour blocks. It was not possible to print the colour plates on a matt art paper and hence a high grade glazed paper had to be used and the sheen softened by mounting against a creamish background." So much for the printing travails under wartime economy for the sake of fidelity to original works of art and a friendship which is now universally acknowledged.
PROVENANCE:
Property from an Eminent Parsi Collection, UK
This lot is from the collection of an eminent Parsi gentleman based in London. He began collecting books over 25 years ago, when he studied History of Art at Cambridge in the 1980s. His initial focus was on the Bombay Progressives. He is now offering a selection from his library with favourites ranging from Amrita Sher-gil, George Keyt, M F Husain and F N Souza, and a very rare privately printed, limited edition book illustrated by Bhupen Kakhar.
This lot will be sold in "as is" condition.
There may be some minor tears/creases scratches, or holes commensurate with age that may not be visible in the images.
The books on sale in this auction are rare, out-of-print and otherwise collectible, dating from the 19th century onwards. The technology and material for printing and binding books has evolved over the last few centuries. From being the exclusive preserve of Clergy and Kings to an item of everyday application, the availability and use of books has also evolved over time. Books age over time and deterioration in a book's condition depends on many factors, including the original materials used and conditions of usage over time. Books will often show signs of foxing, fading, shelf-ware or dust jacket damage through usage. Prolonged storage may also cause wormhole damage or water stains.
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