Portfolio with one sheet of text by A.L. Chanin and 20 lithographic reproductions of works by 20th century American artists. Small folio (14 1/4 x 10 7/8 inches). Printed heavy paper two-pocket portfolio folder with cover design by Abner Graboff, contents loose as issued. Very light external creasing, minor marginal toning to text leaf, images bright and clean, overall very good. New York: Lenmore Press/Walden School, n.d. (circa 1959).

This portfolio was sold to raise funds for the Walden School, a progressive day school on Manhattan's Upper West Side which was in operation from 1914 through 1988. A boxed, limited edition of 50 copies was issued with all the prints signed, alongside this trade version of an unknown publication size, all unsigned.

The portfolio reproduces drawings by twenty male American artists: Sam Adler, Milton Avery, Leonard Baskin, Ben-Zion, Philip Evergood, Chaim Gross, George Grosz, Robert Gwathmey, Joseph Hirsch, Hans Hoffman, Karl Knaths, Jacob Lawrence, Sigmund Menkes, Gregorio Prestopino, Ben Shahn, Joseph Solman, Raphael Soyer, Saul Steinberg, Max Weber, and Sol Wilson.

The introductory essay by A.L. Chanin reads, "Some of the deepest delights in art are to be found in fine drawings. The potentialities of drawing have challenged and intrigued artists in all times. And what artists love, perceptive collectors cherish...Here are a handful of good American drawings, sensitively reproduced, and chosen with an unprejudiced eye for opposing styles. The varied group reflects something of the broad scope of this absorbing medium. They range from representational to abstraction, from pure line to thick wash, and from impish aloof wit to sombre social realism. Most of the drawings are quite recent examples....Pure line is the foundation of drawing, and consequently most of the artists represented here revel in the fun and flow and simplicity of line...In the wash drawings, also, each artist speaks in his own character...Obviously, a good drawing is more than a moment's monument. It is a lasting pleasure."

An attractive and scarce 1950s-era fine art portfolio showcasing the up-and-coming artists of the time. As of January 2025, OCLC locates only a single holding of this portfolio in a North American library.

Book ID: 53381

Price: $2,250.00