Wendingen Journal: The Paintings of Diego Rivera, 1929 [Cover Design: Vilmos Huszár]

Wendingen journal edited by Hendrik T. Wijdeveld et al., Vol. 10, Issue No. 3, 1929. C.A. Mees, Santpoort, Holland. 13.25 x 13.25, pp. 24 with Dutch text and trade advertising on the inside covers. Printed in Holland with interior typography by Wijdeveld.

Wendingen was a monthly Dutch architecture and art magazine published from 1918–32 in 116 issues. This remarkable avant-garde, wrap-around cover is designed by Vilmos Huszár (1884-1960), the Hungarian painter, designer and founding member of De Stijl. Signed in stone “V. HUSZAR – ‘29” in the lower-left corner and one of the only Wendingen covers to reference pure De Stijl design principles.

Huszár’s fragmented patterns and rectangular forms (perhaps made with elements from the type case) suggest Aztec architectural friezes and the red and green of the Mexican flag. His lettering recalls Theo van Doesburg’s own alphabet.

This issue is dedicated to the paintings of Mexican artist Diego Rivera and is heavily illustrated with (24) mostly oversized black and white murals; some related to the revolution in Mexico between c. 1910-25. With an introductory text and image captions throughout by H. P. L. Wiessing, the editor of De Nieuwe Amsterdammer.

Very good with the original raffia sewn spine. Light toning and wear along the yapped edges with a few small tears and light diagonal creases to the front (approx. 6.5 inches to the lower right corner) and back covers. Interiors pages clean and fresh.