MAX ERNST. Texts by Joe Bousquet and Michel Tapi?. Paris, Ren? Drouin Publisher, 17 Place Vend?me, MCML [1950]. 4to, illustrated publisher's wrappers. FIRST EDITION, SPECIMEN NO. 50 OF 50 ON HAND-MADE MONTVAL PAPER, with two original color lithographs SIGNED BY MAX ERNST. Prestigious edition: 40 copies intended for the legendary New York gallerist Heinz Berggruen, plus 18 named copies. Critical texts by Joe Bousquet, surrealist poet paralyzed by the Great War and intimate friend of Ernst, and Michel Tapi?, theorist of Art Informel. The lithograph at the frontispiece depicts a biomorphic organic form typical of Ernst's vocabulary from his American period. Cover with photographic reproduction of a sculpture by the artist. Specimen in good general condition, autograph signature clear and authentic. 2 signed lithographs, edition of 50 out of 50

Cover with slight wear to corners and spine, small loss at upper margin of spine. Interior clean, Montval paper in good condition with original deckle edges. Color lithograph at frontispiece present and in good state. Autograph signature of Max Ernst on justification page.