Art: Helmets with Weather Vanes

An odd and striking book—the Greek text of the 8th century B.C. poet Hesiod, faced by illustrations by one of France's leading modern painters, 72-year-old Georges Braque—is making art news in Paris. First commissioned in 1932 by one of France's leading art dealers, the work was lost during the war years, was completed by Braque only two months ago. The $600 limited edition, published this week, was hailed as "a perfect blending of Greek classicism and French modernism," proof that "Braque is one of the great creative spirits of modern art."

But for most viewers the 23 Braque drawings will have...