1849 - Le Serin

Translation: The Canary Followed by The Glow Worm - Little Tales Undated, c1849/ Inscription dated as such. chez Martial Ardant Fredres/ paris & Limoges In the 19th century, France witnessed a remarkable era of artistic and luxurious bookbinding known as cartonnage. Cartonnage bindings emerged as a popular form of decorative coverings for books, showcasing the exquisite craftsmanship and artistic sensibilities of the time. These bindings were typically made from stiffened pasteboard or cardboard, covered in decorative paper or silk fabrics adorned with intricate designs, gold tooling, and vibrant colors. French cartonnage bindings of the 19th century often incorporated various techniques such as embossing, gilding, and marbling to create visually striking covers that captivated the eyes of book lovers and collectors alike. Hardcover. Stunning cartonnage binding. Blue with elaborate gilt design to both boards and spine. Fontispiece/engraving. Neat inscription to inside board. Binding tight. Clean pages. Size: 3 3/4” x 6” An exquisite French cartonnage romantique book!!