1996? 32 colored woodcuts after watercolors by Henry LeMarié, engraved by hand by Jean Taricco. Printed on Velin de Rives in the studio of Editions d'Art Les Heures Claires in Paris. Beautifully mounted and presented in two elaborate boxes. Signed in pencil? €450 from Plazzart, Paris, Sept, '20.
I have found LeMarié's miniatures delightful since I first saw them. This set is gorgeously presented. They seem to reproduce the illustrations in LeMarié's edition of 1996, over which I have expressed my delight. I wanted to include LeMarié's "Cobbler and Banker" in the Joslyn exhibit, but the art is too small. As I learn more now, I wonder how this kind of colorful work can be done on woodblocks. How many passes does it take on the poor piece of paper? I see this set of prints as an excellent showpiece for the collection. Jean Taricco engraved some 2200 pieces of wood necessary for the reproduction of the aquarelles of Henry LeMarié. Apparently some 30 colors were applied.
2017 Jeu de 7 familles: Les fables de La Fontaine. Artist: Leila Brient. Éditions Lito.
There are many forms of "Jeu de 7 familles." This is a lovely version dedicated to seven of La Fontaine's most popular fables. The special feature of this version is the way that the six cards in each family build a continuous picture. The six cards allow the whole verse fable to be told, and one card fits very well with the next. Tres joli!
1818? 35 Lithographs by LeComte, Vernet, Engelmann and Mauraisse from about 1817 through 1820. Mostare 14½" x 10½". $80 from jordanb2011 through Ebay, Jan., '21.
Engelmann seems to be the engraver for many of these. I have assigned him authorship for those not signed by LeComte or Vernet. These seem to be pages from a book in our collection, "Fables choisies De La Fontaine ornees de figures lithographiques" from 1818, published by Engelmann.
1880? 6 cards depicting fables of Florian, including a text of very small print in two columns at the top of the back of the card and a simple colored picture on the front. 4 3/8" x 3 1/8". All advertise "Lebel Derly -- Nouveautés."
These cards are particularly well preserved. It is somewhat rare that I can find a set all from the same printer and retail store.
2000? "Learning Centers Club: Fables and Tall Tales." Boxed set of teacher's aids for teaching writing and math for grades 4-5.
Cataloguing this set of teacher's aids may set a record in this collection, as it has waited for eight years! What I now find inside the box are three envelopes and two posters, each about 11" x 17". Two of the three envelopes seem to offer helps in math and writing. A third envelope is titled "Presenting the Fable Fella."
2012 le vieil homme & les fables. France télévisions – amopix. Conception graphique Mathieu Rolin. Droits graphiques Jean Bastian Éditions Majb.
Here are some 21 brief and very creative presentations of La Fontaine's fables. The disc which they make up is a favorite of mine! The premise is that Jean Bastian, who did indeed produce a book of La Fontaine's fables, is drawing at his desk. As he works on the coloring of each fable's illustration, the fable takes life in his atelier. There are great touches of imagination here, as when MM finishes with a cracked pot and puddle in the middle of Jean's rug, or when a small statue falls at the end of 2P as is smashed in the floor, or when finally FG ends with grapes growing around Jean's atelier! Those wanting a first sample of these short videos might do well to watch WL. I am so happy that I noticed the book in this antique store's window. I returned later when they were open and had a chat with the grandson (?) of Jean Bastian, former owner of the store. I bought Jean's book – which I cannot find right now! – and the DVD.
