LAURELS, NUMBER TWO

New York: Laurel Gallery, 1947. Limited edition: #47 of an edition of 60 impressions of five original prints, each of which is SIGNED in pencil by the artist. The original prints include "My Wife Sally," an original drypoint by Milton Avery; an etching by Walter Pach, titled "Scopasian Head"; an etching with engraving and offset color by Gabor Peterdi, titled "The Dreamy Lobster"; a serigraph by Leonard Pytlak, titled "After the Fire"; and "Twentieth Century Machine," an engraving by Alfred Russell. The prints are housed in the original handmade paper portfolio, which is housed in the original ribbon-tied hardcover "box." Accompanying the prints are: 1) a large sheet folded to form 4 folio pages containing essays by each of the 5 artists explaining their perspectives on modern art; the latter is adorned with 3 original designs by Alfred Russell that are hand-colored by him; and 2) a prospectus/order form for Laurels #1 and Laurels #2. Each of the prints is hinged into its original paper mat; they are separated by the original textured tissue leaves. Laurels was intended by Laurel Gallery Director Chris Ritter to be a quarterly limited edition "magazine" containing original art by important artists on paper handmade by Douglass Howell. The project was beautifully produced and quite ambitious, so much so that it had to be discontinued after only 4 issues. All contents are present and in superb condition; there is some staining on the outside of the box.. SIGNED. First Edition. Hardcover. Collectible-Very Good+. Illus. by Milton Avery, Walter Pach, Gabor Peterdi, Leonard Pytlak, Alfred Russell. Elephant Folio - over 15" - 23" tall. Fine Art Print.