Kokoschka, Oskar (1886-1980) Die Traumenden Knaben

Description:

Kokoschka, Oskar (1886-1980) Die Traumenden Knaben. Vienna: Wiener Werkstatte, 1908.
Oblong quarto, first edition of Kokoschka's first illustrated book, from an edition of 500 copies; ten leaves, with eight full-color, full-paged lithographs and two smaller black and white lithographs on the two preliminary leaves, publisher's cloth, Japanese-style cord binding, with another illustration set into the front board, binding somewhat rubbed, ownership inscriptions of Jean Reti Forbes (1911-1972),concert pianist; and Rudolph Reti (1885-1957),musicologist and composer on ffep; 9 1/2 x 11 3/4 in.
The Dreaming Boys was conceived by the artist as a children's book, and the large expanses of flat, graphic color and bold outline evoke the genre. However, Kokoschka's angular nudes in expressions of longing and despair seem more appropriate for mature audiences.
Estimate $8,000-12,000

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