MAPPLETHORPE, Robert. Early Works 1970–1974.

MAPPLETHORPE, Robert. Early Works 1970–1974. New York: Robert Miller Gallery. 1991.

4to. Original gold boards, titles to front cover and spine in red and black; ff. [8], 40, [5]; colour photoillustrations throughout; minimal shelf wear to edges of spine; a near-fine copy.

First edition, first impression, published on the occasion of the eponymous 1991 exhibition at Robert Miller Gallery, New York.

Described by Patti Smith as a mentor to Robert Mapplethorpe, the New York gallerist Robert Miller was an early champion of the photographer and exhibited his controversial work in the early 1980s, helping to establish the artist’s reputation. Two years after Mapplethorpe’s death, Miller launched an exhibition of his early work and published this book documenting the exhibition. Including reproductions of collage, spray paint on canvas and magazine pages, this book presents Mapplethorpe’s photographic experimentation before his turn to the polaroid and black and white portraits that would eventually make his name.

SKU: 2125096