The book as revolution, as vision, as artifact.
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Bracelli, Giovanni Battista
17th-century Italian Baroque engraver whose bizarre figures were rediscovered by the Surrealists.
Short Biography
Giovanni Battista Bracelli (c. 1600 - c. 1650) was an Italian painter and engraver of the Baroque period. He is known almost exclusively for his set of etchings 'Bizzarie di Varie Figure' (1624). This series of 50 prints depicts human figures composed of objects like boxes, geometric shapes, tools, and architectural elements. His work was forgotten for centuries but was rediscovered in the 20th century by avant-garde artists, particularly the Surrealists (and Tristan Tzara), who saw him as a visionary precursor to Cubism and Surrealism due to his deconstruction of the human body and his fantastical imagination.
Connection to the Book World
Bracelli's 'Bizzarie' is a self-contained graphic work that had a major influence in the 20th century. It was republished in the 1960s with an introduction by Tristan Tzara. Although the original dates from 1624, its rediscovery functions as an important 'livre d'artiste' for the Surrealist movement, which adopted him as one of its forefathers.
Founded and curated by [Curator Name], The Hidden Page reflects decades of research and passion for the printed avant-garde. With a background in art history and rare book conservation, [he/she/they] brings a scholarly yet accessible approach to each selection.
The platform aspires to bridge the gap between private collections, institutional research, and curious readers worldwide.
AUTHORS · AUTHORS
Rare Books, Living Legacies Rare Books, Living Legacies
We specialize in rare, illustrated editions from the avant-garde movements.
 Every book is accompanied by high-quality visuals, detailed reports, and scholarly context.
Paris | 1931 | Japon nacré
€360
AUTHORS · AUTHORS
Rare Books, Living Legacies Rare Books, Living Legacies
We specialize in rare, illustrated editions from the avant-garde movements.
 Every book is accompanied by high-quality visuals, detailed reports, and scholarly context.
Paris | 1931 | Japon nacré
€360
AUTHORS · AUTHORS
Rare Books, Living Legacies Rare Books, Living Legacies
We specialize in rare, illustrated editions from the avant-garde movements.
 Every book is accompanied by high-quality visuals, detailed reports, and scholarly context.
Paris | 1931 | Japon nacré
€360
AUTHORS · AUTHORS
Rare Books, Living Legacies Rare Books, Living Legacies
We specialize in rare, illustrated editions from the avant-garde movements.
 Every book is accompanied by high-quality visuals, detailed reports, and scholarly context.
Paris | 1931 | Japon nacré
€360
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