Description
FIRST EDITION Illustrated with 110 coloured watercolours by Giacomelli reproduced in photogravure, including a frontispiece, 20 hors- texte and 89 in-text.
ONE OF 500 COPIES ON TINTED PAPER from Manufactures du Marais, after 25 copies on Japon with an original watercolour, the only large paper editions.
Copy with six original watercolours Preparatory prints from the sale of Giacomelli's studio in 1976 (stamps): Tree Chaffinch, Kingfisher, Traquet, Swallow (2), Chickadees.
According to the subscription form attached to the copy, the work was sold in its entirety at a price of 300 fr for prints on tinted paper and 800 fr for prints on Japon; it was also offered in 5 quarterly issues, each sold for 60 fr.
This very luxurious book was a real publishing feat for Launette, which did not "craign[ait] that no book of this kind has yet been offered to the public.".
Beautiful binding signed Noulhac with spine decorated with floral mosaics and birds.
Bound by Noulhac. Green morocco with corners, smooth spine decorated with mosaics of stemmed flowers and gilt birds, fillets on covers, gilt head, signed. Identical lined slipcase. Case rubbed.