Thérèse et Léon, ou Les Jeunes Naturalistes – 1857 French Cartonnage Romantique with Chromolithograph Panel | Rouen

A highly decorative mid-19th-century French cartonnage romantique edition of Thérèse et Léon, ou Les Jeunes Naturalistes published in Rouen in 1857 by Mégard et Cie, a noted regional French printer-publisher.

The book is bound in its original pink and gilt publisher’s cartonnage, lavishly embossed with scrolling floral motifs and geometric panels. The front board features a delightful hand-colored chromolithograph panel depicting two children engaged in botanical study beneath a tree—an image that perfectly reflects the book’s themes of education, nature, and moral instruction. The spine is fully decorated in gilt with floral tooling and retains the original title label.

The work is a sentimental and educational novel centered on youth, nature study, and moral development, blending narrative fiction with introductory natural-history observations—a popular genre in 19th-century France intended for family and juvenile reading. The text is illustrated with engraved plates throughout, including scenes of agricultural life and botanical instruction, printed on quality period paper.

An especially appealing example of French decorative publishing, combining strong visual presence, literary charm, and a subject that resonates with collectors of nature-themed and children’s literature.

Binding tight. Minor surface irregularity to the upper front board, inherent to the original cartonnage construction, structurally sound and very beautiful/ wee-preserved.

Condition: Very good overall. 

Size
Approximately 7.5 x 5 inches (duodecimo)

A beautiful survivor of 19th-century French book artistry, prized for its ornate cartonnage binding, charming illustration, and nature-inspired narrative.