ROBERT DESNOS (1900-1945) JOAN MIRÓ (1893-1983) THE PENALTIES OF HELL OR THE NEW HEBRIDES. FIRST EDITION. Paris, Fecquet & Baudier, Mourlot pour Maeght, 1974. Limited edition of 220 copies, all printed on Vélin d'Arches and signed on the colophon by Miró. This is one of 20 copies hors commerce, No. XII, signed in red pencil. Typography by Michel Otthoffer, 25 original lithographs by Joan Miró, including the cover. With a folder containing 5 reproductions of drawings made in 1929. In-4 oblong (27,1x37,3cm) Leaves, original illustrated cover, publisher's salmon cloth slipcase with title on spine (29,7x40x6,8cm), original illustrated cover. Minor restorations of two 1cm cracks at the cover hinge. Case worn at the hinge inside, not serious. By 1925, the year of his meeting with Desnos, Miró had already produced several illustrations for this text. However, the Depression of 1929, the Spanish Civil War and then the Second World War prevented the painter from completing the project. Thirty years later, Miró set about illustrating an unpublished manuscript, 'Les Pénalités de l'enfer' (entrusted to him by Youki Desnos (widow of Robert Desnos)). Bibliography : Patrick Cramer, Catalogue raisonné des livres illustrés par Joan Miró, preface by Rosa Maria Malet, no. 188 At the buyer's request, we would be happy to provide a general report on the condition of the lot described above. However, as we are not professional conservators or restorers, we strongly advise prospective buyers to carry out their own inspection or consult a specialist of their choice for a full assessment of the condition of the lot. Descriptions of items provided in the catalogue or by correspondence are for guidance only and should not be relied upon as a definitive assessment. NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD 'AS IS' IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF SALE PUBLISHED IN THE CATALOGUE.