05.20.2021-06.26.2021
DANIEL-HENRY KAHNWEILER
Publisher 1909 -1939
exhibition in association with Illibrairie
When Daniel-Henry Kahnweiler, aged 24, entered Picasso’s studio for the first time in 1907, he was overwhelmed by the Young Spanish artist’s masterpiece « Les Demoiselles d’Avignon ». This encounter immediately changed the young German man’s career direction from banking to becoming one of the most influential art dealers of the XXth century and a great advocate of cubism.
Recently installed at 28 rue Vignon in Paris, Kahnweiler had already hung works of Derain, Vlaminck, Van Dongen, Braque on the walls covered in sackcloth. Works by Picasso soon followed.
Through his painter friends, Kahnweiler met many young poets such as Apollinaire, Max Jacob, Radiguet, Artaud, Hertz. Being a literature enthusiast, an idea sprang to Kahnweiler’s mind which was to publish the writings of these poets of today, illustrated by artists of today and intended for today's readers. He attached great importance to this contemporaneity. The published texts are always first editions illustrated by young painters, who often have their first publishing experience.
After the gallery owner, one of the greatest publishers of the 20th century was born. From his first book, poems by Apollinaire and woodcuts by Derain, it is clear that an innovative approach to editing has emerged. Kahnweiler was the first to masterfully establish such a relationship between a writer and a painter in the modern book.
We are thrilled to present, in our associated bookshops for the occasion, all editions of Daniel-Henry Kahnweiler published between 1909 and 1939. Precious books, printed in a small number of copies, on splendid and varied papers, with some bound in magnificent bindings.
Image
Raymond RADIGUET
Les Pélican, 1921.
Édition originale, illustrée de 7 eaux fortes par Henri Laurens.
Un des 10 exemplaires de tête sur Japon