Carlos Merida (Guatemala, 1891-1984 CE), "Estampas del Popol-Vuh," printed by the Lithographic Department of the Talleres Graficos de la Nacion, Mexico, D. F. in November, 1943 CE. The complete portfolio, stamped number 786 (from a total edition of 1000), including ten colored lithographs, signed by the artist in red ink beneath the copy number following the introductory essay inside. Each image was inspired by the Popol Vuh and signed by the artist on the stone. According to the text above the copy number, the artist "personally, made the drawings on the original stones used for the printing." Size: 16.875" L x 12.75" W (42.9 cm x 32.4 cm)

Merida was a Guatemalan artist, known for blending European modern techniques and Latin American themes, in this case imagery inspired by the Popol Vuh and indigenous culture. As noted in the first paragraph of the forward, "The Popol-Vuh is undoubtedly one of the most extraordinary and valuable works among primitive books of America. It is really a bible because of its accounts about the gods, its theory of the creation of the universe and its mythological history of the Maya Quiche lineage. A whole world lives in this fundamental work that contains the most profound but poetic testimony we possess about the divine word of our grandfathers, the creators of the highest ancient civilization of the New World."

Another edition of Merida's "Estampas del Popol-Vuh" sold at Bonham's, San Francisco for $587 in 2005 (April 19, 2005, Lot 1069).

Provenance: private Moore collection, Denver, Colorado, USA, acquired thirty years ago

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#125198

Each image is in good condition aside from specks of foxing and a few sheets with a slight stain at the lower right corner. The translucent text leaves show slight losses at peripheries, creasing, and discoloration, but the text is still vivid and legible. All is contained in the original portfolio which shows expected wear, stains, scuffs, and creasing. Overall very good, and rare to have the complete volume of this limited edition.