An original vintage lithographic print after German draftsman, printmaker, poster artist and illustrator, Horst Janssen (1929-1995), showing the cover of his 1973 art book, ‘Carnevale di Venezia’ – a suite of engravings for art dealer, Luigi Toninelli, in November 1971. It depicts the lion of Venice playing a flute, taken from the corresponding print, ‘Serenata per una bellezza’ (Serenade for a Beauty).

It’s a version of the first edition dust jacket, with the book title in tact, but unfolded and absent information from the inner leaves. As such, it may have been a publisher’s proof or part of the promotional material; a similar proof is held in the collection of the Hamburg Kunsthalle. Acquired in a small collection of Janssen prints and ephemera, including some full-sized dust jacket proofs.

Height: 350 mm / 13.7"

Width or Diameter: 545 mm / 21.4"

Condition: Excellent.