Michel le Savoyard, c.1850s | Antique French Cartonnage Romantique by Ardant Frères

Suivi d’autres épisodes (Followed by Other Stories)
By René de Mont-Louis
Limoges & Paris: F. Ardant Frères, [circa 1850s]

An exquisite mid-19th century cartonnage romantique binding by the celebrated Ardant Frères of Limoges and Paris — known for their richly ornamented and colorful glazed bindings. This edition of Michel le Savoyard (translated as “Michael the Savoyard”) is a touching moral tale of faith, perseverance, and filial devotion, reflecting the virtues celebrated in 19th-century French youth literature.

The cover design features a striking polychrome geometric pattern of blue, rose, and gold within intricate gilt borders, and a hand-colored central vignette showing a young boy and his dog — a scene symbolizing innocence and loyalty. Gilt spine decorated with alternating floral motifs in blue and gold. Illustrated with an engraved frontispiece.

Produced during the golden era of decorative bindings, this volume exemplifies the artistry of cartonnage romantique publishing, where moral storytelling met exquisite visual design.

Binding bright and well-preserved, gilt and colorwork remarkably vivid, light rubbing to extremities; interior clean with only mild foxing.

Condition: Very Good. 

Size: 4 ¼” x 7 ¼”

A richly decorative example of mid-19th century French cartonnage — uniting craftsmanship, color, and moral sentiment.