L'Enchanteur pourrissant (The Rotting Sorcerer), 1909
Woodcuts; letterpressexpand_more
Gift of Bruce B. Daytonexpand_more B.81.12
Not on Viewexpand_more
Produced in collaboration with Fauve artist André Derain,
The Rotting Sorcerer features a prose-poem by French avant-garde poet, essayist, and critic Guillaume Apollinaire (1880-1918). It is Apollinaire's first published volume of poetry and the first book illustrated with original prints by Derain.
Fascinated by the ritual and romance of Arthurian legends, Apollinaire based his poem on the mythical character Merlin the Enchanter, the medieval wizard, prophet, and counselor in King Arthur's court. Through a strange lyrical dialogue between Merlin and his love interest, the nymph Viviane, the poem describes Merlin's death and entombment and recounts a series of graveside visits by various mythological and historical figures.
Derain contributed a series of 32 monochromatic woodcuts that augment Apollinaire's poems, but did not illustrate them. In these bold, simplified designs, Derain reveals his strong interest in African sculpture and the graphic art of Paul Gauguin.
Details
- Title
- L'Enchanteur pourrissant (The Rotting Sorcerer)
- Artist Life
- 1880 - 1954
- Role
- Artist
- Accession Number
- B.81.12
- Provenance
- Possibly Sickles Sale, PB 1947
- Catalogue Raisonne
- Boston 78; MOMA 52; Skira 81; Rauch 31; Ray 388
- Curator Approved
This record has been reviewed by our curatorial staff but may be incomplete. These records are frequently revised and enhanced. If you notice a mistake or have additional information about this object, please email collectionsdata@artsmia.org.
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