14/05/2026
*
Transcription of a letter sent by Pierre Berès in 1947 to one of his collectors announcing the upcoming publication of Jazz by Henri Matisse.
****
Dear Dr. Schniewind:
We are wondering whether you have heard about the new book of Matisse which is coming out in January 1948. This volume will be a sensation in the book market, we believe. It is the first book of Matisse to be illustrated in full colors, and it is both more important and more advanced than any of his previous work.
The volume will have 20 mostly double-page plates printed au pochoir, à la poupée, that is, with the actual colors from the palette of the artist.
Its size will be the same type of folio as you find in the Passion of Rouault.
The title of the book is Jazz and it conveys scenes of the circus and of kindred subjects. Matisse wrote the text himself, and calligraphically wrote in large easily read letters, which are reproduced to form the text.
Tériade of Verve is responsible for the artistic ex*****on and our firm is the sole distributor.
The price at which we expect to bring out the volume is $375.
We are thinking of having the opening on January 20th and will keep the plates on display for about two weeks.
So far we have not approached any museum in the matter of showing the plates, but we know that the Philadelphia Museum has asked Mr. Tériade to have a copy included in their great Matisse show in April.
It seems to us that the Art Institute would want to show these plates to the public in Chicago.
I am willing to stake my standing with you on the quality which I claim for this work and which I do believe you personally will like very much.
If you wish, a photograph of one of the plates can be sent to you in a few days.
In a few weeks, we shall be able to send you a specimen plate. Please let us know how you feel about the idea.
Very best holiday wishes.
Sincerely,
Pierre
