Kay Nielsen. 1001 Nights

In the late 1910s, Danish illustrator Kay Nielsen completed his illustrations of "A Thousand and One Nights," considered masterpieces of early 20th-century illustration. However, publishers retreated due to the postwar climate, and the publication never happened. After Nielsen's death in 1957, the illustrations were rescued and are now held by the UCLA Grunwald Center for the Graphic Arts, the Art Institute of Chicago, and two private collections. This publication is a unique compilation of fine art prints and illustrations reproduced directly from Nielsen's original watercolors, the only complete set of his extraordinary drawings to have survived. It features descriptions of all the images and three illustrated essays on the making of this series, the origin of Nielsen's unique imagery, and a history of the tales.

Format: Hardback
Length: 144 pages
Publication date: 16 June 2023
Publisher: Taschen GmbH

In the late 1910s, amidst the devastation of World War I, Danish illustrator Kay Nielsen completed his captivating illustrations for A Thousand and One Nights. These remarkable works, hailed as masterpieces of early 20th-century illustration, burst with vibrant hues of deep blues, fiery reds, and shimmering gold leaf, transporting readers into the enchanting realm of this legendary collection of Indo-Persian and Arabic folktales, compiled between the 8th and 13th centuries. However, the financial constraints of the postwar era led publishers to retreat from Nielsen's project, ultimately preventing its publication. Undeterred, Nielsen pursued other artistic endeavors, leaving behind this extraordinary world heritage classic. For forty years, the magnificent pen, ink, and watercolor images remained hidden away, locked in the vaults. It was only in the 1970s that these illustrations were rescued from obscurity, thanks to Nielsen's passing in 1957. Today, they are cherished by the UCLA Grunwald Center for the Graphic Arts at the Hammer Museum in Los Angeles, the Art Institute of Chicago, and in two private collections.

This publication is a remarkable compilation of fine art prints and stunning illustrations reproduced directly from Nielsen's original watercolors, making it the only complete set of his extraordinary drawings to have survived. The book offers detailed descriptions of each image, accompanied by three insightful essays that explore the creation of this series, the origins of Nielsen's unique imagery, and a historical account of the tales. Additionally, it showcases numerous unpublished or rarely seen artworks by Nielsen, as well as intricate black-and-white drawings he created for the original publication.

Kay Nielsen's A Thousand and One Nights illustrations stand as a testament to his exceptional talent and visionary artistry. Through his meticulous attention to detail and use of vibrant colors, he breathed life into these timeless tales, capturing the essence of magic and wonder that has captivated audiences for centuries. Despite the challenges he faced, Nielsen's dedication to his craft ensured that his illustrations remained a treasure, waiting to be rediscovered and appreciated by a new generation. This publication serves as a testament to the enduring legacy of Nielsen and his contribution to the world of illustration.

Weight: 1598g
Dimension: 321 x 325 x 22 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783836595636
Edition number: Multilingual ed