About this Item
2 vols. 4to. (284 x 222 mm). Illustrated with 52 colour wood-engraved illustrations by Pierre Bouchet after George Barbier and Georges Lepape: full-page frontispiece to each vol., printed title to vol. I with vignette, 6 vignette head-pieces, vignette tail-piece, 6 further full-page plates and 34 text vignettes (as well as the two illustrations for the wrapper of each vol.); 33 decorative gilt initials, numerous gilt text ornaments, vignettes and head- and tail-pieces throughout; each vol. with two additional suites, colour and black and white; additional portfolio consisting of 13 prints (marked 'Décomposition de la gravure') for page 297; also included is a signed gouache by Barbier. Original publisher's cream illustrated wrappers with printed titles in gold, chemises with titles to spine and later red morocco-backed slipcases. An excellent example of Barbier's 'Aphrodite' with a signed gouache, two pairs of suites and further unique material. From the edition limited to 150 copies, with this one of 125 on Arches reserved for 'Membres de la Compagnie aux Archives et aux Collaborateurs'. The last book illustrated by George Barbier, who died during its production. Barbier's contemporary Georges Lepape completed the project. The 52 colour wood engravings were cut and printed by Pierre Bouchet on his own press at Boulogne-sur-Seine. The seventh book published by 'Les Bibliophiles de l'Amerique Latine', 'Aphrodite' was produced during the presidency of the Comte de la Rochefoucauld-Montbel. The original gouache shows Aphrodite surrounded by birds. The image, which uses a striking variety of purple / blue tones, is reproduced on pg. 45, Chapter IV 'La Passante' (Volume 1). This copy also contains a Menu from 'Les Bibliophiles de l'Amerique Latine - Assemblée Générale du 28 Mai 1952' with a gold cover design after Barbier, printed in gold and numbered '5 / 60' with Bouchet's signature. Also included, inserted loose, is a typed press announcement for the publication, with annotations, dated '17 Juin 1954'. Seller Inventory # 48028
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