Book edition with 10 black and white photographs, collaged on yellow paper, and a text by the artist on pink paper, bound in marbled boards Germany, 1934 Hans Bellmer (1902-1975) – German surrealist Signed ‘Hans Bellmer’ in pencil on the dedication leaf One of presumably 50 copies of the first edition Overall dimensions: 12.3 x 10.8 x 0.6 cm Very good condition Provenance: Sammlung Dieter Brusberg, Berlin Estimate by Auctionata Expert: 60.000 Euro The engagement with the female anatomy in erotic depictions was the central subject matter in Hans Bellmer's work since the 1930s. This also includes his photographs of mannequins, which he dismantled and put together with other materials such as wood, metal and plaster to new bodies or body fragments. In 1934 Hans Bellmer self-published the present book ‘Die Puppe’ with his essay ‘Erinnerungen zum Thema Puppe’ (Memories about doll) and 10 photographs of his doll assemblages. Only a few of the original presumably 50 copies are still existing today. Condition: The book is overall in very good condition with only minor signs of age and use. The dimensions are 12.3 x 10.8 x 0.6 cm. Hans Bellmer (1902-1975) Born in Katowice (now Poland), Hans Bellmer worked as a photographer, sculptor, painter and author. From 1923, he studied engineering at the Technical University in Berlin and met John Heartfield, George Grosz and Rudolf Schlichter. In 1924, he abandoned his studies and began a typographic apprenticeship at the Malik publishing house. Between 1925 and 1926, he met the Dadaists and Surrealists in Paris. He then opened a studio for advertising drawings in Berlin Karlshorst. From the 1930s, he dealt almost exclusively with erotic subjects. During this time, he also started the manufacture of partly fragmentary mannequins, of which he also shot photographs. In 1938, Bellmer settled in Paris and continued to work with mannequins. In 1939, he published the book ‘Schöpfungen, die Geschichte der Einbildungskraft‘ along with Max Ernst. In the 1950’s, Bellmer exhibited twice at the documenta. Today he is regarded as the main exponent of the ‘Fantastic Realism’. (fea) Shipping costs excl. statutory VAT and plus 2,5% (+VAT) shipping insurance. Starting bid : 30000