GRASSET, Eugène || GILLOT, Charles. Histoire des quatre fils Aymon - très nobles et très vaillans chevaliers. Illustrée de compositions en couleurs par Eugène Grasset. Gravure et impression par Charles Gillot. Introduction et Notes par Charles Marcilly. 1883.
GRASSET, Eugène || GILLOT, Charles.
Histoire des quatre fils Aymon - très nobles et très vaillans chevaliers. Illustrée de compositions en couleurs par Eugène Grasset. Gravure et impression par Charles Gillot. Introduction et Notes par Charles Marcilly.
Paris, H. Launette, 1883.
4to (227x225 mm), (8)-224-(16) pages and two engravings. binding : Contemporary full green morocco, spine in five compartments with title lettered in gilt, top edge gilt, green silk endpapers. Original wrappers bound in. Binding signed « R. Granghaud » on the last endleaf.
The front cover is decorated with a rich medieval-inspired decoration, consisting of a central medallion and an embroidery frame. In the centre of the cover, the square leather medallion depicts a knight in arms, on his horse and holding a spear, ready to attack. It is framed by four strips of embroidery. The patterns are based on codes of the ancient coats of arms with blue, white and red badges as well as castillons, lions, crowns, fleurs-de-lis and helmets. The spine is decorated with a warrior iconography (two helmets, a sword, a spear and a shield). Spine slightly faded.
The story of the four Aymon sons is a legendary tale, which was originally a gesture song from the French Carolingian era. The four heroes, sons of Duke Aymon, are introduced to the emperor Charlemagne and will live many adventures accompanied by an enchanter and a magical horse.
Their adventures are finely illustrated by Eugène Grasset (1845-1917), one of the representatives of Art Nouveau. It combines, with delicacy and simplicity, iconography inspired by the Middle Ages and the Knighthood with Art Nouveau style (with stylized forms and characteristic ornamental motifs such as flowers).
references: Carteret [ IV, 182 : "Bel ouvrage, (…) qui marque une époque dans l'illustration du livre moderne illustré"], Monod [ 6043 : "Premier livre illustré en photogravure et "chromographie", techniques inventées par Charles Gillot"].
Price : 2000 €
