(JASPER JOHNS) original multiple. New York. Museum of Modern Art. Text by Riva Castleman Technics and Creativity Gemini GEL, 1971, 10.5 x 8.5 in. stiff wrappers in plastic clamshell box. 108 pp. 364 mostly thumbnail illustrations (20 full size in color), bibliography, index of artists. A Catalogue raisonne (to early 1971), published in a boxed edition of 22,500, with its problematic Jasper Johns "Target," an offset lithograph three watercolor disks, in addition to the print , which is glued to the inside front cover of the box). Box also contains the catalog, a sheet of protective foam. The foam sheet is normally discolored and usually has three circular offprints from the watercolor disks. According to Richard S. Field ("Jasper Johns Prints 1970-1977"), the image was derived from a pencil drawing and collage of 1960 in the Sonnabend collection. A hand-pulled edition of 50 copies and six artists proofs was printed by Kenneth Tyler at Gemini in 1971. The offset edition was produced by Graphic Press, Los Angeles. Johns's participation in this enterprise was, at best, limited to the Gemini printing, which was hand-signed and numbered. The signature on the MoMA target was mechanically reproduced [the one offered here]. If it appears to have been signed in ink or pencil, forgery is indicated. The white clamshell box is spotted but intact. The other main factor involving this multiple is the condition of the offset target lithograph. As is often the case a former owner has wetted the watercolor blocks and started to paint the target but has only painted a small part in yellow. The brush is often missing as is missing here.

The white clamshell box is spotted but intact.