Baruch Agadati, Oman ha-Rikud ha-Ivri (Baruch Agadati, Artist of the Hebrew Dance)
Tel-Aviv: Hedim, 1925. Limited First edition. Softcover. Baruch Agadati, oman ha-rikud ha-ivri (artist of Hebrew dance): 1/100. Folio. Original blue cloth gilt-lettered boards with Cubist-inspired front paste-down. Illustrated title page. Calligraphic Hebrew introductory text in black and red. The major work on the legendary Russian-born Israeli dancer, illustrated with a costumed Agadati in modern dance postures, a troupe of dancers with stage scenery and including Agadati's choreographic notation of the Horah. 32 tipped-in prints of elaborately overpainted photographs, drawings, paintings and illustrated posters advertising dance performances, one of which is designed in striking constructivist style (artwork presumably by Agadati). Photographs by Avraham Soskin, the quintessential "Tel Aviv photographer." No. 50 of a total of 100 published. Moderate age-wear to binding, spine and top sunned. Moderate and sporadic foxing in margins. Text in Hebrew. Binding rubbed with fraying at top and bottom of spine both hinges started, interior in good condition overall. Plates in very good condition. g. Item #32528
Agadati, the renowned dancer and choreographer known for interpreting Jewish folk dances in a uniquely expressionist style, is considered to be the central figure in the development of Israeli dance. He was also a painter, early filmmaker and enthusiastic organizer of Purim festivals. Born in Russia in 1895, Agadati emigrated to Palestine in the early 1900s where he studied at the Bezalel Academy. During WWI he studied classical ballet and danced with The Odessa Opera Ballet Theater. After returning to Palestine he often gave solo dance recitals and introduced the Hora, originally a folk dance from the Balkans, which later became the signature dance of the Jewish people.
Price: $2,750.00