Ɵ Surrealist exhibition of objects. Introduction by André Br - Lot 107

Ɵ Surrealist exhibition of objects. Introduction by André Breton. May 22-29, 1936 at Charles Ratton, 14, rue de Marignan, Paris. First edition (23.5 x 15.5 cm). Dust jacket by Devauchelle. First copy on japon impérial of the catalog for the famous ephemeral exhibition in Charles Ratton's apartment-gallery, featuring Surrealist creations in conjunction with Oceanic and Amerindian works, as well as "natural", "found", "incorporated", "disturbed" and "interpreted" objects. Charles Ratton (1895-1986) began his career as a salesman in the Asian department of Le Bon Marché, where he dressed as a Chinese, before becoming the leading "primitive art" dealer of his day. His expertise brought him into contact with members of the Surrealist group, and he organized the sale of part of Paul Éluard and André Breton's collection in 1931. It was in this context that he organized the famous Surrealist exhibition of objects, where Oceanic and pre-Columbian works rubbed shoulders with those presented by Dali, Max Ernst and Man Ray. The absence of African objects is noteworthy, as Breton felt that African art was only remotely related to Surrealism, while Ratton would certainly have liked to see an African presence. Only four or five copies of the catalog were printed on Japon, as Charles Ratton reported to the present collector. Provenance: Charles Ratton.