GREEK MYTHS AND OTHER SYMBOLS FROM A GROUP OF PAINTINGS BY JOHN HEMMING FRY. With interpretations by Lillian Whiting.

(Philadelphia: Beck Engraving Co. for John Hemming Fry, c1927). First edition. Large folio (47 cm). (10), 206 pp. Frontispiece portrait of the artist by Arnold Genthe. 22 color plates from Fry paintings. Presentation inscription by Fry to Charles-M. Widor, beneath his frontispiece portrait, which faces the dedication leaf (to his wife Georgia, also an artist and recently deceased). Relatively uncommon, OCLC locating 14 copies. Publisher’s brown pigskin, stamped in black with bordering rules and corner ornaments (rubbed, several scrapes on rear board, corners bumped), gilt-stamped title to upper board, raised spine bands, top edge gilt, others untrimmed. Item #66952

John Hemming Fry was deeply committed to academic traditions in style, to classical and medieval themes, and to certain authors and composers, particularly Dante and Wagner. The Beck Engraving Company was a leading American firm, known for their fine work, exemplified here in the richly colored plates. Clearly Fry chose excellent printers to present his idea of art at its best. The presentation inscription, in French and dated October 7th, 1930, is to Charles-Marie Widor (1844- 1937), a distinguished organist, composer, and teacher. Laid in is Fry’s autograph letter to Widor, probably in return after receiving Widor’s thanks for Greek Myths.

Price: $500.00

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