«Römische Elegie»: Collaboration between Joseph Brodsky and Antoni Tàpies

This article explores the collaboration between Joseph Brod-sky and Antoni Tàpies in creating the artist’s book (livre d’artiste) Roman Elegies (1993), published by Erker Galerie in St. Gallen, Switzerland. Despite the cultural significance of both figures, their joint work remains largely underexplored. The study focuses on an interdisciplinary approach that com-bines literary analysis of Brodsky’s poetry with an examina-tion of visual elements in Tàpies’ lithographs. Common themes are highlighted in the works of both artists. The au-thor investigates how Brodsky’s handwritten texts interlace with Tàpies’ graphic symbols and materials, including cross-es and handprints. Additionally, the technical aspects of the book’s creation, such as lithographic processes and materials, are analyzed to reveal philosophical and cultural allusions. The article also addresses the political context and personal experiences of the artists. Supplementary research and interviews with participants contribute to filling gaps in knowledge about this collaboration between two outstanding cultural figures.