FRANCE Anatole - LEBÈGUE Léon. Histoire de doña Maria d'Avalos et du duc d'Andria

Paris, Librairie des Bibliophiles, 1902.

In-4 (270x206mm) of 36 pp. with continuation in black of the illustrations bound in the text.
Full black Moroccan, spine with 5 ribs with gilded title piece. Floral composition in gilded iron in the art nouveau style identical on both covers. Inside covers and endpapers covered with a canvas printed with abstract shapes in shades of blue. The Moroccan extends onto the edges of the inside covers and forms a frame in which we find gilded vilets. 2nd and 3rd endpapers in marbled paper. Upper edge gilded. Illustrated cover preserved with condition in black. Slipcase.
Binding signed René Kieffer. Ex libris Bibliothèque Jacques Odry.

38 color compositions by Léon Lebègue with cover, half-title, justification, vignettes and text frame. The book takes up the style of illuminated manuscripts with ruled frames, Gothic-style typography and illustrations framing the text. The text is also hand-calligraphed by the artist.

Limited edition of 240 copies. One of 25 copies on Japanese paper. No. 32

First luxury edition of this tale from Le Puits de Sainte-Claire by Anatole France. It tells the tragic love story between Doña Maria d’Avalos, wife of the Prince of Venosa, and the Duke of Andria.

Remarkable work of composition by Léon Lebègue. An accomplished artist, whom history has unfortunately (a little) forgotten. The compositions are as impressive from afar as in detail. Everything is perfectly executed, the calligraphy, the ornaments and the character scenes. A medieval atmosphere full of details.

Condition: small rubbing on the spine of the binding at the level of the foot hinge. Small tear on the canvas of the inside cover at the level of the inner hinge. Good condition for the rest.

For more information:
The digitized book on the BNF website:
https://gallica.bnf.fr/ark:/12148/btv1b86002467/f1.planchecontact

Discover other works illustrated by Léon Lebègue:
La Caution (Anatole France): https://gallica.bnf.fr/ark:/12148/btv1b86002660/f9.planchecontact.r=L%C3%A9on%20Lebegue

Pervenche (Bouchor): https://gallica.bnf.fr/ark:/12148/bpt6k65654267/f9.planchecontact.r=L%C3%A9on%20Lebegue

La Bièvre (J.K. Huysmans): https://gallica.bnf.fr/ark:/12148/bpt6k64612069/f19.planchecontact.r=L%C3%A9on%20Lebegue

Artist's Wikipedia: https://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/L%C3%A9on_Leb%C3%A8gue