The Art Institute of Chicago: 100 Masterpieces: [SIGNED by Marc Chagall, Georgia O'Keeffe, Ivan Albright, Joan Miro, and William de Kooning]

Rand McNally, 1978. Limited Numbered First Deluxe Edition. Full Leather. Fine - As New/No Jacket as Issued. A very scarce magnificent book in fine, like new condition in a fine custom clamshell case with the scarce shipping carton, SIGNED by five of the world's greatest artists: Marc Chagall (1887-1985), Georgia O'Keeffe (1887-1986), Joan Miro (1893-1983), Ivan Albright (1897-1983) and W. de Kooning (1904-1997) on the occasion of the 100th birthday of the Art Institute of Chicago in 1979. The signatures are original and are each on a separate page. In addition, the great Marc Chagall signed and dated his signature, "Pour Art Inst. Chicago, Marc Chagall, 1979." First printing deluxe edition (so stated), copy # 60 of 100 total copies issued as one of four major events celebrating the Art Institute's 100th birthday, according to David C. Hilliard, Life Trustee of the Art Institute of Chicago who headed the project. According to Mr. Hilliard, the deluxe books were sold, in good part, to buy an Indian sculpture in honor of Board Chairman James Alsdorf and his wife Marilyn. Per Hilliard: "There is a good story connected with the book. We sent a young man down to visit Georgia O'Keefe and ask for her agreement to participate. Georgia could be prickly, so we chose as our envoy a young man whose father had given her the land on which she had her house and studio. And indeed he was given a warm reception and tour. When they parted, Georgia said she would sign... but then added "If you will tell me the location of my painting that I gave to the Art Institute, 'East River from the Shelton.'" We were overjoyed and asked the American Arts Department to let us see it. As Georgia knew, it had presumably been stolen years before, and a full search could not locate it. But she relented (I think she enjoyed her joke) and signed the books anyway!" Printed and bound by RR Donnelley & Sons' Lakeside Press. Bound in very fine dark red Morocco leather with beautiful gold gilt on the page edges. In beautiful very fine condition. THE BOOK: The book measures 10.5" x 14." In addition to the valuable signature pages, this large book contains beautiful color reproductions of 100 of the most magnificent art treasures that the Art Institute of Chicago holds in trust, including paintings by the artists who signed the book. Enclosed in a heavy wood clamshell box covered by matching red leather with a large gold gilt lion on the front lid. The art world has now lost all of these great artists but in this book their signatures and their paintings live on. A very special and collectable book. Weighs over 10 lb.