MAN RAY, Self Portrait, 1965 [signed autobiography]

MRay-book1965signed-cover700

MRay-book1965signature-titlepage700

MAN RAY, Self Portrait, 1965
24 x 17 x 4 cm
book, autobiography, ill.
1st edition, hand signed in pencil
published by Little Brown & Company Ltd, Canada in association with Atlantic Monthly Press
mylar protection cover
dust cover on lower front side has tiny chips; for the rest more than very good
very rare in this state
€ 980,- plus € 18,- Track and Trace registered mail
inv.MRay 305

 

MRay-book1965signed-cover-HC700

This copy of the autobiography Self Portrait of Man Ray has been signed as if the book itself is an art object, i.e. there is no dedication, just a signature in pencil and therefore very rare, as such. The dust cover is supported by a mylar protection cover and an extra inner Highsmith paper wrapping (white).

A signature in a book is always a precarious element when it comes to authenticity, more than when it concerns e.g. an etching published during the lifetime of the author. Below a signature is shown that may be compared with the one on the title page of the autobiography.

Graphological report.
A graphological analysis should describe some remarkable characteristics of the handwriting: surname is written on a lower level than the first name, the run-up diacritical movement of the pencil is equal to each other, the hooky tops of the x-height letters are very similar, one detects several diacritical movements in both signature, the middle leg of the ‘M’ is lifted due to the speed of writing, etc. A graphological description is available, when the book is purchased.