Wrapped Book Modern Art

One of 120 copies - signed by Christo. The book Modern Art by Sam Hunter and John Jacobus wrapped in transparent polyethylene with light natural fibre rope and jute string, signed by Christo in black felt-tip pen on the wrapper, numbered 40/120 (total edition includes 20 artist's proofs). This is accompanied by an unwrapped, readable first edition copy of Modern Art in fine condition.

'Christo made this edition to help fund the publication of the book Christo: Running Fence by Calvin Tomkins, David Bourdon, and Gianfranco Gorgoni, published by Harry N. Abrams, New York.' (Schellmann 95)

Christo began wrapping and packaging objects in the late 1950s. His early works made use of items from daily life – such as books and boxes – which he draped, folded and bound in fabric. Later he collaborated with his wife Jeanne-Claude to wrap entire buildings and environments. While visually the folds of fabric in their works refer to classical forms from art history, the process of wrapping relates more broadly to cultural practices of preserving, shrouding and concealing.

Also included is Schellmann's Christo Prints and Objects, 1963-1987: A Catalogue Raisonné.

First edition, number 40 of 120 copies (total edition includes 20 artist's proofs), signed by Christo; wrapped by the artist in transparent polyethylene with light natural fibre rope and jute string, the wrapping undisturbed, housed in a custom cream cloth drop-back box together with an unwrapped, readable copy of Modern Art, a fine example; [with] Prints and Objects: first edition; 4to; over 180 illustrations, 66 in colour, very slight age-toning; publisher's black cloth, silver lettering to spine and upper cover, with the pictorial dust-jacket, slightly toned, else near-fine.

Schellmann 95.