George Herms
The Sabian Exercise (two works)


1979
photocopy on paper, hand-printed box
12.75 h x 10.125 w x 3 d in (32 x 26 x 8 cm)

From April 1971 to April 1972, Herms did a drawing a day for a year, based on Sabian symbols received by clairvoyant, Elsie Wheeler in the 1930s. Each drawing is photographically reproduced on quarto stock with Dane Rudyhar's psychological interpretation of the symbol that inspired it printed at top.

Signed, dated and inscribed to interior lid of one work 'Birthday gift for Natasha from Tom and G. Herms 1980 Love GH'. Signed, dated and inscribed to underside of additional work 'For Tom and Natasha from a self-taught artist who years later finds out his teacher was a lemon. Love GH Oct. 30, 1983'. Each work is comprised of 360 prints with original colophon, housed in original hand-painted box. These works are from the edition of 1000 published by the artist.

Provenance: Collection of Natasha Nicholson

This work will ship from Chicago, Illinois.

Both boxes contain complete envelope sets which have offsetting to edges and colophon sheets from contact with box. Twelve envelopes in one box have been opened and examined, all 360 sheets are in good condition and accounted for. Envelopes in additional box are sealed; all twelve envelopes present. Damage to one presentation box with loss to lid measuring approximately 1 x 1.5 inches and minor damage to edge of some inner envelopes. All items show minor wear consistent with age and handling.