first edition Hardcover
1877 · Paris
by Dupont-Auberville, Auguste
Paris: Ducher & Cie. (Librairie Generale De L'Architecture et Des Travaux Publics), 1877. First Edition. Hardcover. Near Fine. Elephant Folio. 38, [2] pp. + 100 chromolithographic plates, each with separate text explanation page. Plates are 16 by 12 inches approximately, or 40 by 30 cm. This is a grand production inspired by Racinet's "Ornement Polychrome". Dupont-Auberville was a storied collector of fabric, which served as the primary basis for the patterns presented in this work. His collection was exhibited at the Musee des Arts Decoratifs in 1880, and part of the collection was subsequently offered for sale at the Hotel Drouot, The Parisian Saleroom, in a two day sale in February 1885. This copy of the work is bound in full morocco, with six raised bands on the spine and gilt lettering for the title there. The only significant condition issue to speak of for the copy is the outline of a dampstain on the front board and upper third of the spine. On spine the outline is thicker -- it looks as if a bushstroke were run up the center of the spine where affected. Some very minor scuffs along edges otherwise. Nonetheless the red morocco is very bright and healthy, and notwithstanding the dampstain, attractive. Intricate dentelles along edges of inner boards. Gilt ruling along leather edges. T.e.g. or bright gilt foreedges. Very tight binding. Plates are bright and clean. Text clean. Marbled flypapers. Small discreet bookplate of noted decorative arts bibliophiles Robert Hoe and Arthur Hoe. Overall a gorgeous copy.
(Inventory #: 000852)