The Ultimate Collection

African Art: The Impossible Collection

$1,200 USD

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While traditional African works of art were created first and foremost in a ritual context, surely that in no way excludes their aesthetic dimension. Made by artists whose audacity, inventiveness, and virtuosic technique can never be sufficiently emphasized, African masks and sculptures—long rele...
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Having trained in archaeology and art history, Bérénice Geoffroy-Schneiter is an art historian, art critic, and exhibition curator. For the past thirty years, she has been a contributor to many specialist magazines (Archéologia, The Art Newspaper, Beaux Arts Magazine, Connaissance des Arts, and Artpassions, among others), and she is the editor in chief for the European edition of Tribal Art magazine. She has also published numerous books and exhibition catalogs covering the arts in Africa and Oceania, as well as the art of finery, including two volumes of Primitive Arts (1999–2006), Parures ethniques: le culte de la beauté (2021), and Gold: The Impossible Collection (2022).

This French concept embodies the art of knowing exactly what to do and when to do it. At Assouline, savoir-faire defines every creation: from the artistry of our covers to the meticulous detailing of our Ultimate Collection and the precision of every page. Each title is a journey of craftsmanship, from concept to creation, guided by our creative team and brought to life with the highest standards of design, photography, and production. Every book reflects the dedication, care, and expertise that turn an idea into a lasting work of art.

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The Ultimate Collection

African Art: The Impossible Collection

$1,200

African works abound within Europe’s museums and attract many visitors. Although we do not know who made them, we cannot ignore the masterpieces of African art.

— Chéri Samba, contemporary African artist
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Page count

232 pages

Number of illustrations

over 150

Language

English

Released on

December 2024

Dimensions

W 12 x L 15.25 x D in

Cover materials

Hardcover in a luxury clamshell

ISBN

9781649804310

Weight

17.8 lb

Author

Bérénice Geoffroy-Schneiter

Our commitment to sustainability

Assouline supports One Tree Planted in its commitment to a more sustainable world through reforestation. Since 2019, this partnership has contributed to global efforts to restore forests, with the long-term vision of creating a sustainable cycle by sourcing paper from the trees planted. Our dedication to craftsmanship extends beyond the books themselves—today, our titles are printed on paper selected with the environment in mind, supporting the shift toward more responsible materials. With the belief that beauty stands not just in how it looks, but in how it’s made.

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Ultimate Gift Wrapping

Assouline signature gift wrapping is available. When this option is selected, books are wrapped in a special white matte gift wrapping paper – sourced specifically by the Assouline family for an authentic approach and sealed with the brand’s signature red wax seal for the final touch of luxury.
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