Vie de Duquesne — French Naval Biography in White & Gilt Cartonnage

A lovely 19th-century French biography of the celebrated naval commander Abraham Duquesne, Vie de Duquesne, attributed on the title page to “un officier de marine” and published in Rouen by Mégard et Cie.

Bound in white and gilt embossed cartonnage, with an elaborate sunburst panel surrounded by floral and scrolling ornament to both boards and a decorated spine. The binding remains tight. Pages show age-toning and scattered foxing/spotting. Corners are rubbed and bumped with small areas of loss. Note photos for more details around wear.

An example of elaborate gilt artistry. Such bindings were often produced as treasured gift books, making them highly sought after by collectors of cartonnage and fine French literature.

Size: 4 1/2” x 7 1/4”

A lovely ornate French cartonnage volume combining naval history, biography, and decorative 19th-century book design.