Antique and Modern Books

Four cataloged auctions each year

A leader in the field of paper arts, Ader regularly organizes auctions dedicated to antique and modern books. From incunabula to books printed on Chinese paper, silk, laid paper, and vellum, Ader’s book auctions also feature medieval illuminations that once adorned ancient manuscripts, books of hours, and religious texts. Also featured in these auctions are modern illustrated books whose illustrations were created by the greatest artists of the 20th century: Francis Bacon, Zao Wou-Ki, Chagall, Dalí... An ever-growing number of bibliophiles are participating in these auctions, eager to acquire the rarest copies—those with the most prestigious provenance and high-quality bindings. The condition of the items is also a decisive factor in the market.

A Word from the Expert

“The very first printed books, dating back to the mid-15th century, remain the holy grail for collectors. The oldest of these, the Gutenberg Bible—the first book printed in Europe in 1455—is unfortunately no longer available on the market today, with the exception of a few scattered pages that were torn out. Thanks to the interests and passions of collectors past and present, we gain access to rare documents and enlightening accounts. For example, we recently sold, as part of an Ader auction, a collection of works dedicated to prostitution since the 18th century and to the history of these courtesans, girls, and “lorettes” of yesteryear.”

Contacts