1867 Les Fleurs Animées – Grandville’s Botanical Anthropomorphism Masterpiece l 2-Volumes

2025-11-21T20:53:28-05:00

Type: Sold Books
Price: 1400.00

Published 1867
Garnier Frères, Editeurs/ Paris

Text in French

Two Volumes

Nouvelle Edition

“Les Fleurs Animées” is a remarkable 19th-century work first published in 1847 by the renowned French caricaturist J. J. Grandville. This enchanting two-volume edition from 1867 features his iconic blend of botanical illustration and whimsical anthropomorphism, where flowers take the form of elegant women adorned in floral attire. The accompanying text—written by Alphonse Karr, Taxile Delord, and Le Comte Foelix—adds literary charm, humor, and gentle social commentary. In this later edition, the plates were carefully retouched for engraving and hand-coloring under the direction of the naturalist M. Maubert, preserving the clarity, color, and imaginative spirit that have made Grandville’s masterpiece beloved by collectors of art, illustration, and botany.

Featuring 52 hand-painted color full-page illustrations, two full-page botanical plates in black-and-white, and numerous black-and-white drawings integrated throughout the text.

Navy cloth boards clean; binding tight in both volumes. Plates bright and crisp with tissue guards present. Occasional small, random specks of foxing. One plate in Volume II has its tissue guard and the following text leaf joined; this leaf is detached but included. Vibrant gilt edges.

Condition: Very Good +

Size: 7” x 10 3/4”

A wonderfully preserved and visually striking example of Grandville’s most celebrated work—ready to become a highlight of any illustrated-book collection.