Lot 66: Diego Rivera Signed Folio Prints, MOMA, 1933

A Rare and Important Folio of Signed Diego Rivera Prints, MOMA, 1933. Rescoes of Diego Rivera, Museum of Modern Art, NY. 1933. First Edition, signed, Berlin & New York; 19 prints and accompanying booklet. The orange case with some expected wear, former library stamps, small and unobtrusive inside the case and on the accompanying booklet. Prints in exceptionally fine condition with vibrant color. Each of the 19 prints is signed by Rivera on the matting that also bears the print's name. Booklet also signed.
In 1933, the MOMA in NY opened its architectural wing. The first exhibit was a display of prints of the murals of Diego Rivera. Rivera had become the darling of the NY art scene and was to paint murals for Rockefeller Center- a project that ended badly with both sides blaming the other. To commemorate this opening, a set of prints, identical to the ones displayed, were prepared by MOMA and printed by Ganymede in Berlin. The project went far over budget. By the time of the opening, the Museum was likely losing money on the $15 price tag of the portfolio. Rivera was on hand the night of the opening to sign the booklet and some individual prints. There are a few known sets of these prints where a handful of images have been signed. This set however, possibly given to one of the organizers, has each of the 19 prints signed, along with the booklet- making it quite possibly unique. This lot is sold with extensive documentation from the MOMA archives, detailing the news and background surrounding the exhibit, the signing, and the portfolio itself, including a photo of Mr. Rivera signing a portfolio. Provenance: Formerly in the rare book collections of the Springfield Library, MA. Legally deaccessioned. A New England private Collector.

Price Realized: $4,750

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