ANDREW WYETH: THE HELGA PICTURES

New York: Harry N. Abrams, Inc., Publishers, 1987. First Edition. . Hardcover. Fine/Very Good. Wyeth was perhaps America's foremost realist painter of the last half of the 20th century. In 1986, it became known that Wyeth had over 14 years drawn and painted one of his neighbors in Chadds Ford, PA, Helga Testorf, in the nude without the knowledge of Wyeth's wife or Helga's husband. When the 247 studies were exhibited at the National Gallery in 1987 and then went on a nationwide tour, there was extensive criticism of the museum and the work. First printing, first edition. About 9 3/4 x 11 1/4 inches. 208 pages in red cloth-covered boards with gold lettering on front cover and spine. 294 illustrations, 96 in full color with full documentation of the work, including a chronology of exhibitions, a selected bibliography and comments by the artist. Boards and text are clean, complete and unmarked, no bumping, tearing or creasing. Dustjacket shows the painting, "Braids," 1979, in full color on the front panel and four pencil studies for the painting on the back panel. Dustjacket shows modest wear along top edge with tiny tears and chipping at top of spine, o/w dj shows no significant damage of any kind and is now clothed in mylar protector. Collectable. [Due to the book's size and weight, we cannot accept priority/express orders or orders outside the U.S. without added postage.]