1855 - Rene D’Anjou

By Cordellier-Delanoue

Published 1855
Mame, Publishers/ Tours, France

Third Edition

René d’Anjou (1409–1480), also known as “Good King René,” was a French nobleman, poet, and patron of the arts. Throughout his life, he authored several notable works, including; Le Livre du Cœur d’Amour Épris, an allegorical romance about a knight’s quest for love; Le Livre des Tournois, a detailed treatise on medieval tournaments with illuminated illustrations; and his Book of Hours, a devotional manuscript reflecting his piety and noble lineage. These works showcase his deep engagement with chivalric ideals, courtly love, and the artistic traditions of his time.

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. White elaborate gilt/floral design to both boards and spine. Illustrated pastedown to front board. Frontispiece/engraving with tissue guard. Illustrated within with engravings with tissue guards. Binding tight. Clean pages.

Condition: Very Good ++

A very beautiful 19th-century French romantique Book!