Portfolio "Gitans aux Saintes Maries de la mer" (1960) - Ltd. edition of 150

Item Details

Arles, France, Self-published by the photographer, c. 1960, Portfolio

Very Good

Arles, France, Privately published by the author,; c. 1960

Handmade album with 11 original b/w photographs, printed by the author (vintage, mounted silver gelatin prints). Prints each approx. from 5.5" x 5" to 9.5" x 7" (14x13 to 18x24cm), in portrait and landscape formats; portfolio 9.75" x 6.25" (25.2x16.5cm). (1 of which folded; all mounted on strong “Vélin. S.A.V.”),

The titles and justifications are in Clergue's own hand, and he has signed the book on the last page. Calligraphed title page in red colored pencil and calligraphic imprint in blue ink. Imprint in blue ink. (Self-published by the photographer; c. 1960). Gr.-8°. Loose sheet in original. cover with calligraph. “Gitans” in red colored pencil on the front.

Expl. “n° 115"/150. handwritten imprint signed by the artist in red colored pencil. The fishing village of Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer in the Camargue is famous for its annual “Fête des Gitans” in May in honor of its patron saint, the Black Sarah. In 1953, the young photographer met Pablo Picasso, who encouraged him to create photo cycles. Clergue followed the Roma through the Camargue to their place of pilgrimage and photographed the “Gitans” on various occasions. The photographs were taken between 1955 and 1957 in Saintes Maries and Rocheville, including the cult image of the later famous guitarist Manitas de la Plata (1921-2014). - The landscape-format print was folded by the artist himself.. Rare documentation.

Loose in portfolio as issued, in original black paper wrappers, handwritten title to front cover in pink pastel, red endleaves (small, closed tear at spine head; minor crease to one photograph); 9 3/4 x 6 1/4 in.

Limited edition, octavo; number 115 of 150 copies printed by the author, signed by him in red pastel on the handwritten colophon; with 11 mounted black-and-white photographs, one of which is folding; loose as issued, in original black paper wrappers, handwritten title to front cover in pink pastel, red endleaves (small, closed tear at spine head; minor crease to one photograph)

Clergue's collection of photographs is dedicated to the Romani people and the pilgrimage to honor their patron Saint, Sarah the Black, in Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer, France. One of the most striking photographs in the album is of a little girl dancing to music played by the famous Flamenco guitarist, Ricardo Baliardo, better known as Manitas de Plata. Lucien Clergue and Baliardo were friends in life, and Clergue was instrumental in introducing Baliardo to American audiences in the early 1960s.