Couples (includes "Couple and One", "Nereid and Poseidon", "Wakening", "Hammock", "Hands at Rest", and "Centaur")

A COMPLETE DELUXE SET, IN FINE CONDITION. This is a charming suite of six color lithographs (Cole 61-66), many playfully erotic, each justified and signed in pencil by Hirsch. From a total edition of 145 suites, all printed on fine BFK Rives paper, this is ONE OF FIVE HORS-COMMERCE SETS WITH AN ADDITIONAL SET OF THE LITHOGRAPHS PRINTED IN BLACK, ALSO JUSTIFIED AND SIGNED IN PENCIL BY HIRSCH. Additionally signed by Hirsch on the limitation page. This is furthermore an outstanding association copy, WITH A SIGNED PRESENTATION INSCRIPTION FROM HIRSCH TO "LILYAN AND SYLVAN". Sylvan Cole (1918-2005) was the most important dealer in American prints of his (or any) generation, and as the director of Associated American Artists published thousands of prints, including this suite. He also compiled several catalogues raisonnes, including the one of Hirsch's prints. "Lilyan" was Cole's second wife. Since each of the prints is signed, virtually all copies of this suite have been broken up. This copy is complete because it remained in Cole's private collection from the time Hirsch presented it to him until Cole died. Large folio. FINE AND BRIGHT WITH NO DEFECTS. In the original (very slightly worn) cloth folding case. A unique, important, and impressive item. IMPORTANT NOTE: During March, 2006, hundreds of prints represented as being from "the Sylvan Cole collection" were sold at public auction. In fact, ALL of these items were from his leftover gallery inventory, not his private collection. As far as I know, the few items I offer from Sylvan's collection are the ONLY items anywhere on the market which are actually from his private collection (which he kept in his apartment, not his gallery). I acquired them all directly from Sylvan (my uncle), mainly in spring, 2005.