A magnificent deluxe illustrated edition of Mérimée's Carmen, printed on Vélin d'Arches paper and one of only sixty copies issued with two complete suites of André Lambert's superb etchings, further enhanced by two additional proof states apparently unique to this example.
Bibliographic Details
Author / Artist & Illustrator: Mérimée (prosper, French novelist and dramatist, 1803-1870); Lambert (André, French engraver and illustrator, 1884–1967).
Title: Carmen. Édition ornée de quinze compositions en couleurs gravées à l'eau-forte et de lettrines et ornaments gravés au bois par André Lambert.
Place of Publication: Paris.
Publisher: L'Estampe Moderne.
Date / Edition: 1928. Deluxe limited edition, copy no. 53 of only 60 copies issued with two complete suites of plates.
Collation: Half-title, title, [1], viii, 109, [3], colophon.
Illustrations: Fifteen coloured etchings (including frontispiece), a complete second suite of the fifteen etchings in uncoloured state, plus two additional sepia proof states of the Carmen plate, apparently not called for. Engraved title vignette, numerous wood-engraved initials, headpieces and tailpieces throughout. Original tissue guards retained to all plates.
Paper: Printed throughout on watermarked Vélin d'Arches paper, versos blank.
Binding: Original printed wrappers, loosely string-bound as issued, enclosed within the original coloured wraparound and opaque glassine-style wrapper, housed in bespoke slipcase with printed spine label.
Size: 4to (30.2 × 19.4 cm).
Condition
Near Fine. An exceptionally well-preserved copy. The bespoke slipcase shows some light wear and splitting along one edge, while the book itself remains remarkably fresh. The original string binding is slightly shaken, with a couple of leaves beginning to work loose, entirely typical of this publication, which was intended for purchasers to have rebound if desired. Very light scattered foxing, largely confined to a few tissue guards. Please ask if you require a more detailed condition report, or view the gallery images closely.
Description
A superb example of one of the finest French livres d'artiste of the inter-war period, combining Prosper Mérimée's celebrated novella Carmen with fifteen exquisite original etchings by the French engraver André Lambert.
Issued by L'Estampe Moderne in 1928, this is the highly desirable deluxe issue limited to just 60 numbered copies, each containing two complete suites of Lambert's illustrations: one printed in rich colour and the second in a pure etched state, allowing the collector to appreciate both the finished compositions and the engraver's masterly line work.
This copy is distinguished even further by the presence of two additional sepia proof states of the celebrated Carmen plate, bringing the total number of engraved plates from the published total of thirty to thirty-two. One bears the pencilled inscription "Épreuve unique" (unique proof), while the other is marked "à acierer", indicating a proof pulled before the plate was steel-faced for the printing process. These additional states are not called for in the published collation and may well be unique to this copy.
Every element of the production reflects the highest standards of French private-press bookmaking. The text and illustrations are printed on luxurious watermarked Vélin d'Arches paper, one of France's finest mould-made papers, while the engraved title vignette, decorative initials, headpieces and tailpieces integrate text and image into a harmonious artistic whole.
The present copy remains in its original printed wrappers beneath the publisher's translucent glassine-style protective wrapper, with the leaves still loosely sewn as issued. Such copies are appreciably scarcer than rebound examples, as many subscribers commissioned bespoke leather bindings immediately after publication.
Lambert's highly individual graphic style reveals clear affinities with the work of Aubrey Beardsley, particularly in its elegant linearity, dramatic use of black and white, and sophisticated Art Deco sensibility. His illustrations combine Spanish passion, theatrical movement and refined decorative design, making this one of the most visually striking illustrated editions of Mérimée's enduring masterpiece.
The edition itself was produced in several states, including a trade issue of 425 copies and a handful of smaller luxury limitations. The present issue, restricted to only sixty examples with two complete suites of plates, represents one of the most desirable forms in which the work was published.
Combining exceptional illustration, luxurious production, remarkable originality of survival and the intriguing presence of apparently unpublished proof states, this is an outstanding example of twentieth-century French illustrated book production.
Notes
One of only sixty deluxe copies printed on Vélin d'Arches paper with both coloured and uncoloured suites of André Lambert's etchings, further enhanced by two additional proof states apparently unique to this example.
Particularly desirable for collectors of French illustrated books, livres d'artiste, André Lambert, Prosper Mérimée, Carmen, Art Deco illustration, original etching, fine printing and twentieth-century private press editions.