The Jerusalem Windows 1st Edition - Illustrated Art Folio

In this review of The Jerusalem Windows 1st Edition, the focus is on readers and collectors who appreciate fine art books and original prints. This edition collects Marc Chagall's designs for the twelve stained glass windows in Jerusalem with extensive commentary and high-quality reproductions; its single biggest reason to buy is the combination of color plates and two original colored lithographs prepared for this edition, which make it a meaningful acquisition for collectors of modern religious art and students of Chagall's work.

Key Features

• First American edition: Presents the book as originally published in the United States, valuable for collectors seeking an early printing.
• Extensive plates: Includes 104 plates, sixty-four reproduced in full color, giving a vivid representation of Chagall's stained glass designs.
• Original lithographs: Comes with two original colored lithographs printed by Mourlot Freres, which add tangible, collectible art beyond reproductions.
• Authoritative text: Features text and notes by Jean Leymarie, translated to English by Elaine Desautels, offering informed context on the designs and their symbolism.
• Folio format: The large folio layout accommodates detailed color plates, useful for study and display.

Who It's For

Collectors of fine art books, libraries, and devotees of Marc Chagall will find this folio especially rewarding because it pairs scholarly text with plentiful color plates and original lithographs, making it both a reference and a display piece. Students of stained glass, sacred art, and 20th century modernism will appreciate the visual documentation of the Hadassah-Hebrew University synagogue windows and the translator and author's notes that situate the work.

Readers seeking a casual coffee-table book or a mass-market art survey might look elsewhere, since this first American edition is aimed more at collectors and scholars who value first editions, original prints, and a folio format rather than a lightweight overview.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• High proportion of full color plates provides a faithful sense of Chagall's palette and stained glass effects.
• The two original colored lithographs printed by Mourlot Freres increase the edition's collectible value.
• Scholarly notes and a qualified translator make the accompanying text useful for research and study.
• Folio size supports large, detailed reproductions suitable for close examination.

Cons

• As a folio first edition, it is best suited to collectors and libraries rather than casual readers seeking portable books.
• Because this is an older 1962 edition, a careful buyer should inspect condition when acquiring a copy.

Specifications

Title	The Jerusalem Windows
Artist / Author	Marc Chagall; text by Jean Leymarie
Edition	First American edition, 1962
Format	Folio
Pages	211 pages
Plates	104 plates, 64 in full color
Special prints	Two original colored lithographs printed by Mourlot Freres

Our Verdict

The Jerusalem Windows 1st Edition is a strong purchase for collectors and scholars who want a faithful, collectible presentation of Chagall's synagogue windows; the combination of abundant color plates, scholarly commentary, and original Mourlot lithographs makes it a worthwhile value for those who prioritize art-historical significance and physical rarity.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this edition include original prints?
Yes, the book includes two original colored lithographs that were prepared expressly for this edition and printed by Mourlot Freres.

How many color plates are reproduced?
The edition contains 104 plates in total, sixty-four of which are reproduced in full color to convey Chagall's stained glass palette.

Who wrote the accompanying text?
The text and notes are by Jean Leymarie, translated from the French into English by Elaine Desautels.