This exhibition surveys the wealth and diversity of the MAH’s collection of rare and precious books. A full range of work is on view, including : illustrations from the incunable Nuremberg Chronicle (1493), illustrations by Fernand Léger for a text by Blaise Cendrars (1919), fashion engravings from the 1920s Gazette du Bon Ton, contemporary multiples from Parkett magazine, historical treatises and artist books by Andy Warhol, Dieter Roth or Christian Boltanski.
Housed at the Bibliothèque d’art et d’archéologie and the Cabinet d’arts graphiques, the 25,000 volumes attest to the history of the book but also to the history of the institution. Built on the generosity of donors and the foresight of its librarians and curators, the rare book collection is a little-known treasure.