William Majors
(1930-1982)
Etchings from Ecclesiastes
1965
illustrated book (folio) with eighteen etchings, thirteen including aquatint and sugarlift, and printed in sepia and brown on Rives BFK paper,
loose sheets, sizes vary. Number 65 of the edition of 75 numbered copies. Each print signed, titled and numbered VIII/X in pencil, lower margin
Publisher: Junior Council of the Museum of Modern Art, New York
original cream portfolio and board slipcase, 13 1/2x16 3/4 inches.

"In 1965, on the encouragement of MoMA's illustrious director, Rene d' Harnoncourt, Bill's portfolio of eighteen etchings and our text was published in a limited edition by the Museum's Junior Council. He and I had begun the design of "Etchings from Ecclesiastes" a year earlier. He printed the entire edition of 100 copies during an excessively humid summer on our studio etching press. Scholar and artist, Fritz Eichenberg offered to write an introduction: "Ecclesiastes has certainly spoken to William Majors, an artist of talent and perception searching for truth. The prints speak of a love for man and for the work of his hands. [Majors] is a gifted artist guided by profound convictions". An unprecedented Museum commission, the portfolio attracted critical acclaim and was widely exhibited and acquired by collectors." William Majors (1930-1982), Susan Stedman and THOM PEGG, 2021, p. 15 (essay by the artist's widow, art scholar and curator, Susan Stedman, "A more humane experience").

This work earned the grand prize at the First World Festival of Negro Arts, held in Dakar, Senegal, and was purchased for the Herron Art Institute (Indianapolis).