VIRGILE (PAR J.B. MORIN)Livre Rare Book
Vingt Masques
1895001393Paris: 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. Librairie A. Rouquette unknown
