Humberto (Circus Pop-Up Book) – Large Panoramic Format by Vladimír Kovárík
Czechoslovakia, ca. 1960s. First and only edition.
Folio (approx. 13.5 x 9.5 inches; 34 x 24 cm) when closed. One panoramic double-page spread with integral multi-layer pop-up. Printed card covers with cloth spine. Text in Czech.
Condition: Good. All original movable components present and functioning. The free-swinging acrobat—frequently missing—is still intact and strung. One of her arms has been expertly replaced with an exact-match facsimile; all other components original. Some wear and bumping to boards, a few marks to front cover. See photos for detail.
Description:
Unusual and highly displayable panoramic circus-themed pop-up book from 1960s Czechoslovakia. Designed by Czech illustrator and graphic designer Vladimír Kovárík (1913–1982), the book features a single fold-out spread with an elaborate three-dimensional circus scene complete with a swinging acrobat suspended on string.
Due to its large format and intricate mechanism, Humberto is frequently mistaken for the work of Vojtech Kubasta. The overall design—a central fold with pop-ups that collapse inward—clearly draws inspiration from Kubasta’s signature style. However, Humberto was not designed by Kubasta, a fact confirmed by his estate.
Collector’s Corner:
Vladimír Kovárík studied at the Academy of Arts, Architecture and Design in Prague from 1933 to 1939. He began illustrating children’s books in the postwar years and developed a reputation for detailed, lively artwork. Though lesser known internationally than Kubasta, Kovárík’s pop-up work is of significant interest to collectors due to its relative scarcity and artistic craftsmanship. Humberto stands out as his most ambitious foray into movable books.
References:
Confirmation of authorship via Kubasta estate correspondence.
Biographical details: Czech National Library and regional archives.