c.1850s - Histories Et Paraboles (Stories and Parables), French Cartonnage Romantique

Published c.1850s
Martial, Ardant Freres/ Limoges, France

"Histories Et Paraboles" is a thought-provoking collection of stories and parables that takes readers on a captivating journey through the realms of imagination and wisdom.

From enchanting fables to allegorical tales, "Histories Et Paraboles" offers a compelling blend of entertainment and enlightenment, leaving an indelible mark on the reader's mind and heart.

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.

Highly decorative & stunning binding with gilt detail on pink to both boards/spine, spine is faded to an ivory color, paste-down illustration to front board, engraving/frontispiece, binding tight, clean pages, some wear/ rubbing to boards/ edges/ corners from age/use, 176pp.

With pink 19th century cartonnage a rarity to find it pleases us to bring this piece to the shop!

Rare Book

Size: 4 1/2” x 7”

A very lovely 19th century cartonnage piece from France!