Description:

Renato Guttuso
Moscow, Soviet Union, March 24, 1976
Renato Guttuso Signed Original Drawing! Plus Russian Ed. Of John Berger's "Renato Guttuso"
Signed Original Drawing with Book

Two unique items related to Italian Expressionist artist Renato Guttuso (1911-1987), including an original pen drawing signed by Guttuso; and a Russian language edition of John Berger's "Renato Guttuso" published in the Soviet Union in 1962. The drawing is dated March 24, 1976, Moscow, Soviet Union. Both items underscore Guttuso's connection to and affinity for the Soviet Union. Condition is overall very good and will be elaborated below. The largest item, the book, measures 8.375" x 10.5" x .875."

First edition copies of John Berger's English language treatise "Renato Guttuso" (1957) are extremely scarce; no past transaction history records could be found for this title on any of the major trade websites (Biblio, Rare Book Hub, AbeBooks). The illustrated monograph by British art historian John Berger (1926-2017) was translated and published in East Germany in 1957 and the Soviet Union in 1962. Evidence suggests that the Russian language edition is virtually unobtainable as well.

The lot includes:

1. A colorful booklet, of textured heavyweight paper, which opens to reveal an original drawing by Guttuso of a nude male at left, signed, inscribed, and dated by Guttuso in blue ink as: "A Michail Zirim (?) / con l'amicozione di / Renato Guttuso / Mosca 24-3-76." The figural drawing measures approximately 3.75" x 1.5" alone. A few gentle wrinkles, else near fine. The booklet (unfolded) measures 11.75" x 8.5."

Guttuso's predominant artistic subject matter - social justice - coincided with his political sympathies. Guttuso belonged to the Italian Communist Party and was awarded the Lenin Peace Prize in 1972. Three months after signing this original drawing, Renato Guttuso was elected to the Italian Senate as a member of the Italian Communist Party. Guttuso served in the Italian Senate representing constituents in Sicily and southeastern Italy from 1976 until 1983.

2. A Russian language edition of John Berger, "Renato Guttuso" (Moscow: 1962). 7-76pp with 79 black and white and color plates, some full-page double spread and fold-outs, with additional illustrations interspersed within the text. Green cloth-covered boards. Isolated sunning to the front and back covers along the top edge. Light toning but else clean and crisp within. Accompanied by its original dust jacket in fair condition, with chipped edges and large closed tears affecting the front cover dust jacket and dust jacket spine. Else very good. 8.375" x 10.5" x .875."

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

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  • Dimensions: book: 8.375" x 10.5" x .875"
  • Medium: Signed Original Drawing with Book

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