1849 Fables de La Fontaine: Recueil de croquis composé et dessiné par Seurre Ainé. Bernard Gabriel Seurre, lithography by Victor Adam. Hardbound. Paris: Bance Editeur. €340 from Antiquariaat De Keerkring, Malden, Netherlands, Jan., ‘25.
“Collection of Sketches.” Seurre Ainé was a pen name for Bernard Gabriel Seurre. This massive book – 22¼” x 15” and over 17 pounds in weight – is the loving creation of Harry J. Hendriks at Antiquariaat De Keerkring in Malden, Netherlands. He mentioned that it cost him €150 to have it skillfully rebound. And skillfully rebound it is! Between its covers, after a title-page, is the complete set of 96 sketches. Their style is eminently “classical,” with half-naked figures dressed in Greek clothing and surrounded by classical architecture. Each sketch has a fable title from La Fontaine at its top, a short selection of the fable’s verse under the illustration, with a small serial number just below the picture. Among the best for me are 2W (8-9); “Teacher and Drowning Child” (10); CW (15); MSA (16-20); “Ass and Lapdog” (28); “Eye of the Master” (38); “Old Woman and Two Servants” (44-46); “Young Widow” (59-61); MM (64-65); “Cobbler and Banker” (69-72); and “Gardener and Bear” (74). This is a wonderful, unique addition to the collection!
1900? Fables de la Fontaine: Le Renard et les Raisins. Stereopticon slide.
I presume that there is a significant collection of fable stereopticon slides. Here at least is one! The nobleman shuns the lady (ladies?) he is offered. Hand colored?
