Magritte's copy
(MAGRITTE, RENÉ.) Mesens, E. L. T. Troisième front poèmes de guerre suivi de pièces detachés. Third front & detached pieces
London Gallery Editions, 1944
48 pp. Illustrated by Mesens. Original wrappers and dust jacket. Fine.
FIRST EDITION. Copy number 18 of 500 signed and numbered by Mesens. Inscribed to René Magritte and his wife: “A Georgette Magritte A René Magritte, l’exemplaire réservé pour lui, sa Femme, Noukels et Barfoot, depuis 1944. E. M.”
Mesens was Magritte’s longtime friend and promoter. A poet, artist and dealer, he was instrumental in promoting Surrealism in Belgium and then in England, where he introduced the Magritte’s work. He organized the first surrealist exhibition in Belgium (1934) and the International Surrealist Exhibition (1936). Later he presented the first major Magritte retrospective (Brussels, 1954).
$2,000