DROUART (Raphael). - Lot 191

DROUART (Raphael). The Song of Songs of Solomon. According to the French of the Doctors of Louvain 1550. Paris : [Gabriel Thomas], 1925 . - In-4, 319 x 242 : (38 ff.), illustrated cover. Brown morocco, bevelled boards decorated with gilt and cold filets in frames, copper inlaid in the centre of the first board, spine ribbed, gilt head, untrimmed, cover and spine preserved (period binding). Beautiful and rare edition entirely composed and engraved by the painter and engraver Raphaël DROUART (1884-1972). It is illustrated with 38 aquatint engravings. Edition at 115 copies on japon. Unique copy of the artist, enriched with the following pieces: - original drawing of the cover, - original copperplate of one of the illustrations, inlaid in the center of the first plate, - print of the 38 plates on strong vellum, mounted on tabs, most of them in two or three states on the same paper, - 2 trial proofs on vellum of the beginning of the first chapter, - 8 proofs of engravings not retained , 8 proofs of engravings not retained, i.e. a full-page illustration in two states on strong vellum and on japon, a vignette in two states on strong vellum and on super fine japon, a vignette for chapter 8 in two states on strong vellum, before and with the letter, a trial of 3 ornaments on japon and a trial proof of a full-page composition on vellum of Arches. A very fine copy. A few scattered freckles on the suite on strong vellum. Provenance: Raphaël Drouart (Ader sale, Atelier Raphaël Drouart, 25 May 2012, n° 113).