Vingt Masques

Paris: Librairie A. Rouquette, 1895. First Limited Edition. Half Morocco. Near Fine. One of 100 copies issued on Japon paper, with extra suite of illustrated plates on chine paper. 8vo (21 by 14 cm), 41 pp, not counting the extra suite. With superb vignette color illustrations by Morin depicting characters at a masque described by Vaucaire's witty verse. Many of the characters derive from the Commedia dell'Arte (Pantalon, Arlequin). The entirety of the production captures the spirit of the Belle Epoque or Fin de Siecle, at least as we like to remember it. Complementing the work itself is the spine decoration of masked figures linked by a floreate vine. Some foxing on the chine extra suite leaves. The half morocco leather is sunned. Spine gilt decorations, though, remain vividly bright.