Last fall I mentioned that David Douglas Duncan's Goodbye Picasso is one of those special old volumes that can be found though a vintage book seller, like Paris Hotel Boutique, or, on a good day, at an Atlanta public library branch.
Today I know a little more about the book's cover. According to the Harry Ransom Center at The University of Texas at Austin, the jacket design is based on a photo-collage created using Picasso's self-portrait as an owl -- with holes for his eyes -- and a photograph by David Douglas Duncan.
Beneath the dust jacket, the original book was bound in jute from Bangladesh. This cloth was loomed in England and dyed to match the background color found in a Picasso portrait. The lilac of the title-ink color was also matched to a small bit of lilac seen in a beret in the portrait (found on page 140, if you have a copy).
Thanks for the images Paris Hotel Boutique!
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11 comments:
I love esoteric things like this. So much thought goes into the construction of a book, and too often it is the untold story.
Hi Janet -- I was afraid I might be the only one to find this interesting. I'm in love with that rough red cloth mixed with lilac letters!
Oh, I love it,and would love to have any book on Picasso.
Karena -- Duncan has published several good ones.
This is very interesting Courtney! It's such a striking cover- a little mysterious too. Even without the cover it's a beautiful book.
I want it, I want it, I reaaaaallly want it! Another book to obsess about, just what I need in my life. :)
I'm becoming obsessed with it too :)
Looks like someone just bought it. Maybe Lisa?
you're amazing, courtney!
it's beautiful ... those eyes ... his eyes ... are SO hypnotic!
I don't know about that, but thanks Paul! Picasso and Duncan are amazing.
We are going to be in Paris soon, Can't wait to check out the Picasso Museum!
Abby -- have a fabulous time!
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