PAINTINGS AND DRAWINGS/PINTURAS Y DIBUJOS, INSCRIBED BY JACOB LAWRENCE

LAWRENCE, Jacob. Paintings and Drawings. Pinturas y Dibujos. Claremont, California: Scripps College, [1989]. Quarto, original printed paper wrappers; pp. 80. Housed in a custom clamshell box. $7500.

First edition of this generously illustrated exhibition catalogue, including 33 reproductions of Lawrence’s arresting work (20 in color), inscribed on the title page by the artist in the year of the exhibition, “To: Regina, Jacob Lawrence – 7/26/89.”

"The first artist to document through his art the African-American experience as an important chapter of American history… [Lawrence combined] the patchwork elements of synthetic Cubism and the use of bold, solid colors and flat forms in the manner of Henri Matisse with a clear sense of black identity… Lawrence's greatest artistic strengths were his use of vibrant color and his ability to tell stories" (ANB). This illustrated catalogue, from a 1989 exhibition at Scripps College in Claremont, California, features numerous black-and-white photographs from Lawrence's life and 33 reproductions of his work (20 in color). Text in English and Spanish.

Very light rubbing and toning. A scarce inscribed copy in near-fine condition.