Books
Éditions Verdigris
Fig
D. H. Lawrence’s provocative poem Fig is accompanied by five round mezzotints by Judith Rothchild. The first, a fig leaf, is overprinted by the title. The other four show a whole fig and then ripe figs in various states of bursting. There is a two colored screen print of a fig leaf facing the colophon. This image is also reproduced on the Somerset Velvet Black wrappers, the boxes and slipcases. The book is printed on Hahnemühle paper.
First published in Birds, Beasts, and Flowers in 1923, Lawrence’s poem became known to a wider public when it was used in a memorable scene in Ken Russell’s film Women in love (1970).
The text, hand set in Vendôme Romain, was printed on an Albion, and on a Stanhope press by Mark Lintott. The mezzotints and the screen prints are printed by the artist. The deluxe edition of twelve copies numbered 1/48 -12/48 is presented boxed and includes an extra original signed mezzotint printed exclusively for this edition.
Copy number 1/48 also includes the copper plate for this supplementary print.
Copies 2/48 to 6/48 each include one of the original five round copper mezzotint plates.
The regular edition 13/48 to 48/48 is presented in slipcases.
All the books are signed by the artist.
Format 11 ¼ x 10 ½ in.
2001
Pictures
