Vie de Sainte Thérèse – 1860 French Cartonnage Romantique with Chromolithograph Panel | A. Mame, Tours

A superb example of mid-19th-century French cartonnage romantique, this 1860 edition of Vie de Sainte Thérèse was published in Tours by A. Mame et Cie, among the most celebrated French publishers of richly illustrated devotional works.

The binding is lavishly decorated in gilt and relief, with deep red and gold tones and an ornate chromolithographed panel to the front board depicting a religious scene framed within elaborate scrolling floral motifs. The spine is fully decorated in gilt with floral tooling and publisher’s imprint, creating an exceptionally cohesive and visually striking presentation.

Internally, the volume features engraved illustrations, including devotional scenes and frontispieces, printed on quality paper typical of Mame’s production. Of particular note is the original 19th-century prize leaf, dated 1864, awarded to Mlle Valentine Moillet for merit in historical studies at the Pensionnat des Religieuses de Saint-Dominique, adding strong provenance and institutional history.

This work chronicles the life of Saint Teresa of Ávila, drawing from Spanish sources and contemporary historians, and reflects the era’s devotion to beautifully produced religious texts intended both for spiritual reflection and as treasured gift volumes.

A highly collectible example for admirers of French decorative bindings, religious history, and books with meaningful provenance.

Provenance: Prize leaf intact and legible.

Condition: Near Fine 

Size: 4 1/2” x 7”

An evocative survivor of 19th-century French book artistry, combining devotional content, exceptional cartonnage design, and period provenance.