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Laske, O.
Die Arche Noah.
Publisher: Anton Scroll & Co, Wien;
Date of Publication: 1925
Stock Code: 7578
FIRST EDITION. Landscape folio leporello (concertina style with the sheets hinged together). Twelve superb brightly coloured chromolithographs mounted on board with cloth hinges. The lithographs form one continuous double-sided pictorial narrative of animals heading two-by-two into the Ark, including Noah and his family. One hinge expertly restored, edges very slightly rubbed but clean, bright and well cared for. Tidy gift inscription to front cover to “Margaret Mary Levetus with love from Auntie Millie December 1925”. A Near Fine copy. Oskar Laske, was a distinguished self-taught Viennese architect, artist and designer. He exhibited this children’s picture book at the 1925 Vienna Secession, of which he was a member; not evident here but much of his later post WWII work is solely dedicated to his coming to terms with his wartime experiences. ‘Auntie Millie’ was Amelia Sarah Levetus (1853-1938), the English journalist, teacher and art historian who wrote regularly for London periodical “The Studio” and was based in Vienna. She became an advocate of women’s rights and was the very first female to lecture at the University of Vienna (on the subject of the British co-operative movement). As a supporter of the Secession and a resident of Vienna, it is highly likely that she was acquainted personally with Laske; she founded a school in the city, and published several books on Austrian art, as well as continuing to lecture on education and improved conditions for workers. The recipient of the book is almost certainly illustrator Margaret Levetus (1919-2013), her great-niece. Rare. £1750.00