LA FONTAINE (Jean de). Fables. Paris, Antoine-Augustin Renou - Lot 151

LA FONTAINE (Jean de). Fables. Paris, Antoine-Augustin Renouard [printed by P. Didot the Elder], 1811. 2 in-12 volumes, root-edged sheepskin, with a chain and rat's tooth border, smooth spine decorated with title and volume number labels in tan, marbled edges (contemporary binding). A charming edition, very well printed by Didot the Elder and illustrated with 266 vignettes engraved in relief by Jean-Louis Duplat. The first book illustrated with relief engravings on stone. This process, newly invented around 1805—and later patented in 1810 —by Jean-Louis Duplat (1757–1833), a wood engraver born in Orange and active in Paris from the late 18th century onward, is a combination of etching and lithography. The artist engraves his drawing onto a stone using a chisel and acid to create cast metal matrices, from which he subsequently produces printable plates. (Cohen, col. 555; Carteret, III, p. 355; Rochambeau, no. 210.) Attractive binding in grained calfskin. Some foxing, particularly on the first and last leaves (caused by the leather curling over the endpapers). Minor corner paper loss on the leaf corresponding to pp. 233–234 of Volume I. Volume II: a horizontal crease on one leaf, which is partially lined (pp. 177–178). Water stain on one cover, slight rubbing.

Estimate:£500.79

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