Description

A UNIQUE COLLECTION OF ORIGINAL WOODCUTS AND WOOD-ENGRAVINGS BY RENE POTTIER (1897-1968), FROM THE ARTIST'S ESTATE, depicting Brittany just before World War II hastened the disappearance of its traditional culture. Pottier was a medical doctor as well as a talented artist, and he exhibited works with the Societe de la Gravure sur Bois Originale. The collection comprises 11 prints (8 woodcuts and 3 wood-engravings), ranging in block size from 17 x 11 cm to 42 x 36 cm (there is also a circular one with a 10 cm diameter). 8 are signed in pencil, one is signed with a monogram stamp, and two are unsigned. 6 are printed in black, one is printed in black and extensively colored by hand, and 4 are printed in color. 8 are justified: one is unique, one is 1/10, the others from editions of between 26 and 57 impressions. 7 are on fine Chinese and Japanese papers; 4 are on fine wove paper. All are in very good to excellent condition. A UNIQUE COLLECTION, WITH GREAT ARTISTIC MERIT AND IMMEASURABLY IMPORTANT AS A RECORD OF BRETON CULTURE.