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Author: Blossfeldt, Karl
Title: Urformen der Kunst: Photographische Planzenbilder von Professor Karl Blossfeldt
Place Published: Berlin
Publisher:Ernst Wasmuth
Date Published: [1929]
Description:

xvii, [3] with 120 photogravure plates from photographs by Karl Blossfeldt. 31.3x25 cm (12x9¾"), blue-green cloth lettered in gilt with floral emblem in gilt. Second Edition.

As the ?rst edition, published 1928, was in a smaller format, this 2nd edition is considered the preferred format [Parr & Badger, Volume I, pp. 96]. Moreover, many consider the plates of this second printing more attractive than the ?rst as the ink used has a "softer" tone. Toward the end of the 1920s, Blossfeldt's volume became one of the most discussed photographic books in the interval between the wars. "His plant studies, originally completed with a view to their use in commercial art classes, fascinated the contemporary avant-garde, and still in?uence both conventional and conceptual photographers today" [Hans-Michael Koetzie]. Previous owner's bookplate and name on front free endpaper.

Hint of rubbing to edges and gilt on spine; light toning to edges of text block, very good.