[Janus Press] Fine, Ruth

Four Months | Four Seasons: January; April; July; [and] October

Newark, VT: Janus Press, 2009-2010. Original Wrappers. Fine binding. Item #11630

Octavo-sized. Limited edition, number 7 of 110 copies in birch and poplar slipcase with "Note on the Image Making Process" by Claire Van Vliet laid in; another 40 copies of each title issued individually. The reduction linocuts in each volume comprise 7 blocks that are approximately 7-1/2" by 9" and are attached forming a large foldout panorama that is approximately 63" long with a colophon on the final leaf of the accordion, all in printed wrappers and housed in individual printed card paper slipcases. A fine set.

An interesting work in a number of ways. On one hand it is an instructive way to demonstrate the process of reduction linocuts in which the block has the initials cuts and a color is printed; more material is removed from the block and printed again with a subsequent color and the process is repeated; in these cases five colors are used; then finally, on the reverse of the linocuts, a single color is printed from the final block. Van Vliet describes in more depth the process in her bifolium inclusion with a sample print of the first color of October. But this is far more than a work of instruction. Visually, it is striking, whether the volumes are leafed through or are pulled out to display the full panorama. And a marvelous collaboration between Van Vliet and her bibliographer and visual artist and printmakers Ruth Fine. The complex printing is all skillfully executed by Andrew Miller-Brown.

Price: $850.00