Alexander Calder’s illustration of the 1931 publication of Aesop’s Fables is regarded by many as a masterpiece of illustration. Known for his playfulness and sense of humor, Calder’s pen and ink drawings perfectly complement Sir Roger L’Estrange’s 17th century interpretation of the ancient moral tales. Before being collected and written down, the stories attributed to Aesop survived solely through the oral tradition thanks to their brevity and simplicity which is reflected in Calder’s minimalist style. Brunk Auctions is pleased to present at auction a rare copy of this limited title featuring a signed, unpublished illustration by Calder in session one of our upcoming Premiere Autumn Auction on Tuesday, October 21st (lot 188, click here to view).

This volume comes from the estate of Michael L. Laughlin of Aiken, South Carolina, a former businessman and South Carolina state senator. Michael’s father Thomas Laughlin was an artist in the 30s whose friends and contemporaries included Latin American artists Miguel Corvarrubias and his wife Rosa Rolanda, Roberto Montenegro of the Mexican muralist movement, and Cuban surrealist master Wilfredo Lam. He also studied with renowned French cubist Fernand Léger and worked with Jean Lurçat, a multidisciplinary artist known for his modern tapestries. Through his father, Michael inherited a library of art exhibition catalogs, illustrated works by Ludwig Bemelmen, Charles Addams, James Thurber, and Saul Steinberg, and presumably, the work by Calder.

The publisher’s note on the limitation page reads:

“The edition consists of fifty copies (of which thirty are for America) on Guarro’s Spanish pure rag paper with coloured silk threads, each copy containing one of the original drawings signed by the artist, I-L; five hundred and ninety-five copies (of which four hundred and twenty-five are for America) on Auvergne hand-made paper, 1-595; and twenty copies not for sale and so marked.”

The title page states there are 50 drawings by Calder, though there appear to be 52 plates total (including one at the title page). Copies of the largest run in varying condition are available for sale online, one recently sold with a hard to find paper knife featuring an illustration of Calder’s. As of now, it is unknown if the “not for sale” run was issued with a knife. In fact, not much seems to be known about this limited edition of 20 as no special points are mentioned in the limitation. The copy in the October Premier Sale, like the edition of 50, is printed on Guarro’s Spanish pure rag paper with colored silk threads, but unlike any other known copies, has an unnumbered, signed original ink drawing by Calder hinged in at the front. This drawing was not included in the published work, but illustrates the story of A Dog and A Thief on page 116:

“As a gang of thieves were at work to rob a house, a mastiff took the alarum [sic], and fell a baying: one of the company spoke him fair, and would have stopt [sic] his mouth with a crust: No, says the dog, this will not do, for several reasons. First, I’ll take no bribes to betray my master. Secondly, I am not such a fool, neither, as to sell the ease and liberty of my whole life to come, for a piece of bread in hand : [sic] for when you have rifled my master; pray who shall maintain me?

THE MORAL
Fair words, presents, and flatteries are the methods of treachery in courts as well as in cottages; only the dogs are truer to their masters than the men.”

Another known copy of the “not for sale” edition with a printed blue paper jacket appears to have been printed on Auvergne paper and lacks an original drawing, indicating that there is some variance within the limited edition of 20, and emphasizing the rarity of this copy.

This desirable title is still in nearly pristine glassine wrappings and housed in its original maroon paper covered cardboard slipcase and cover. We are thrilled to facilitate the sale of this exciting volume, which will surely make a fantastic addition to any library, whether that of Calder collectors, Aesop admirers, or those with a taste for truly rare books. 

Click here to bid on this lot.

Our Premier Autumn Auction will be on preview October 13-17 and October 20-21 at Brunk Auctions Asheville gallery, 117 Tunnel Road Asheville, NC 28805, offering collectors the opportunity to view the objects prior to bidding.