Szyk, Arthur. (1894–1957). Seven "Visual History of Nations" Title Pages – Signed. Seven brightly colored first edition prints from the Polish artist's nine-piece series, Visual History of Nations, representing the countries of Poland, Switzerland, China, USSR, Canada, France, and Great Britain. Dated between 1946–1949, each is signed in ink to the lower right corner by Szyk with "First Edition" stamped to verso. Edges darkened from prior mounting, moderate toning and occasional edge stains throughout, two (France and Canada) with paper rippling from water exposure, else fine. All measure 11 x 9 inches (28 x 23 centimeters).
"The Visual History of Nations series consists of nine highly illuminated and brilliantly designed visual histories of selected individual founding and member countries of the United Nations. This series of images was commissioned in 1945 by Canadian philatelist Kasimir Bileski and originally referred to as The United Nations Series. Each print was created as an exquisite frontispiece and title page for a unique international stamp album. All images reflect the artistic genius of the 20th century’s greatest miniaturist illuminator.Of the approximately sixty colorful and highly detailed images commissioned by Bileski only nine countries were completed and printed prior to Szyk’s sudden death in 1951 at age 57."
Szyk, Arthur. (1894–1957). Seven "Visual History of Nations" Title Pages – Signed. Seven brightly colored first edition prints from the Polish artist's nine-piece series, Visual History of Nations, representing the countries of Poland, Switzerland, China, USSR, Canada, France, and Great Britain. Dated between 1946–1949, each is signed in ink to the lower right corner by Szyk with "First Edition" stamped to verso. Edges darkened from prior mounting, moderate toning and occasional edge stains throughout, two (France and Canada) with paper rippling from water exposure, else fine. All measure 11 x 9 inches (28 x 23 centimeters).
"The Visual History of Nations series consists of nine highly illuminated and brilliantly designed visual histories of selected individual founding and member countries of the United Nations. This series of images was commissioned in 1945 by Canadian philatelist Kasimir Bileski and originally referred to as The United Nations Series. Each print was created as an exquisite frontispiece and title page for a unique international stamp album. All images reflect the artistic genius of the 20th century’s greatest miniaturist illuminator.Of the approximately sixty colorful and highly detailed images commissioned by Bileski only nine countries were completed and printed prior to Szyk’s sudden death in 1951 at age 57."