Fantasy Birds and Intricate Flowers. Paris, 1924.

SZYK, Arthur. Fantasy Birds and Intricate Flowers. Signed and Dated “Arthur Szyk. (19)24.” (Paris).  Additionally inscribed “A la Mainou  A. Decour souvenir affectieux de sou fidel ami Arthur Szyk. Paris, 1925.” Original pen, ink and watercolor on paper. Sheet size: 10 3/16″ x 7 1/2″. Image size: 7 13/16″ x 5 5/8″. Some light fading to inscription below image, otherwise Very Good condition.

The intricacies and splendid miniature embellishments of the works of Arthur Szyk are clearly present in this floral bird painting presented to his friend and gallery owner Auguste Decour. It was Mr. Decour who gave Szyk his first one-man exhibition in Paris in 1922.

Szyk and his wife had moved to Paris from Poland in 1921 to be closer to the art world and further from the growing anti-Semitism in East Europe. He worked steadily towards preparing for this exhibition drawing inspiration for subjects from biblical stories, folk tales and Near Eastern themes. The presentation at Galleries A. Decour was a tremendous success with important patrons such as Baroness Henri de Rothschild and Anatole de Monzie (the French Minister of Art) acquiring pieces for their collections.

It is proof of Szyk’s warm esteem for his friend Decour that he presented him with this eastern inspired floral fantasy and signed it as “an affectionate souvenir from your true friend Arthur Szyk.” Additionally, Arthur Szyk, annually illuminated Christmas and holiday works of art for Mr. and Mrs. Decour.

The early work from Szyk’s Paris period is superlatively rare and of major importance in his later development. It was at this time that his illuminative style truly coalesced becoming the masterful art immediately recognizable as Arthur Szyk.

Provenance: Mr. and Mrs. A. Decour, Paris.