L'HOPITAL (Joseph). Normandy fairs and markets.... - Lot 132 - Ferri & Associés

L'HOPITAL (Joseph). Normandy fairs and markets. Notes and fantasies. Life sketches drawn and engraved on copper and wood by Auguste Lepère. P., at the expense of the Société Normande du Livre illustré, 1898. Gr. in-8, Bradel half brown morocco, spine decorated in full with branch and apple, corners, n. r., covers included (Carayon). UNIQUE EDITION OF 140 EXEMPLES ON ARCHES VELIN PAPER, numbered and initialled. One of the most beautiful books illustrated by Auguste Lepère, with abundant original woodcuts and etchings interspersed throughout the text. 47 original etchings by Auguste Lepère. 31 woodcuts, culs-de-lampe and various ornaments. Painter and engraver Auguste Lepère (1849-1918) contributed to the revival of woodcutting, while also being an excellent aquafortist. His luminous scenes, always animated with characters, poetically evoke Port-en-Bessin, Evreux, Montebourg, Rouen and the Neubourg fair. The work remains one of the finest achievements of the Société Normande du Livre Illustré. (Rahir, Bibliothèque de l'amateur, p. 511 - Ray, The Art of the French Illustrated Book, 1700 to 1914, no. 324). A very fine copy, bound in contemporary style.