Chiappelli, Francesco (1890-1947). Witnesses. First series. Twelve original etchings. With a preface by Antonio Maraini (1886-1963). Turin: Buratti Editori, 1930. Very rare first edition of Francesco Chiappelli's most famous work of engraving, drawn in only 70 numbered copies (this specimen 4) and with all 12 etchings signed and numbered in pencil by the artist. The series of Sguerguenze, dedicated to the themes of poverty, marginalization and human suffering, represents the top of the artist's graphic production and one of the most significant cycles of the Italian engraving of the twentieth century. In these tables Chiappelli abandons the strong chiaroscuro contrasts of his first way favoring an essential and incisive sign, capable of giving the figures an extraordinary expressive intensity. The project, conceived as a larger work, was expanded with a second series published in 1936, but remained unfinished at the death of the artist. Folio Folder (430 × 360 mm). Frontispiece in red and black, 4 pages of text and 12 original etchings protected by veils. Brown leather editorial folder with a dry embossed front plate and original laces, in cardboard editorial box with paper dowel. good conditions. (1)