Ed Ruscha Babycakes with Weights

In this rare book created by Ed Ruscha, the title Babycakes is in flocked letters with pages that are hole punched and bound with a pink ribbon. The book features a black-and-white photograph of a baby and its weight, followed by various pictures of cakes and their respective weights. The photos were taken by Elizabeth Claman, Sid Felson, Jerry McMillan, Danna Ruscha and Ed Ruscha.

 The book, originally part of the “Artists & Photographs” box set published by Multiples, Inc. in 1970, includes work by 19 artists. The publication was notable, above all, for the unusual selection of artists, the individuality of their work as presented in booklets, prints and collections of loose sheets, and their very different approaches to photography. Published in an edition of 1200 copies, the box—which was initially a commercial setback—is now considered an artistic landmark.