Jean Arp

Rare copy of the first edition of 'The Siege of the Air', poetic collection by Jean Arp published in 1946 by Vrille in the prestigious Collection Le Quadrangle. The volume, illustrated with eight 'duo-drawings' created in collaboration with Sophie Taeuber-Arp, represents one of the most significant postwar poetic publications linked to the Dada movement. This copy no. 402 of the ordinary edition on superior white vélin is extraordinarily enriched by an original pencil drawing by Arp—one of his characteristic biomorphic forms—accompanied by an autograph dedication 'To the beautiful and famous Milena Milani'. The recipient, Milena Milani (1917-2013), was a prominent Italian writer, poetess and artist, central figure of Italian literary avant-garde of the postwar period, friend of Ungaretti, Quasimodo and Arp himself. The combination of Dada poetic work, original illustrations by the Arp-Taeuber couple and documented provenance from a notable literary figure makes this copy a unique item of exceptional collecting interest.