Peter Bichsel   Fine Books

Thomas von Kempis. L’imitation de Jésus-Christ. Traduction anonyme du XVIIe siècle honoré d’un bref de notre Saint-Père le Pape Pie IX. Bois dessinés par Maurice Denis.

With title vignette, 115 text illus. and 96 vignettes (culs-de lampe), all in wood engraving after drawings by Maurice Denis. XIII, 456 pp., 2 leaves. Large 4to. Loose quires as issued in orig. printed wrappers, sleeve and slipcase. – Paris, Ambroise Vollard, 1903.

One of 300 numbered copies on vélin à la forme of a total limited edition of 400. The fifth book published by Vollard and, at the same time on of the most extensive illustrations suite by Maurice Denis (1870–1943), main representative of the Nabis group. The cuts were done by the 88 members of the „Syndicat des graveurs sur bois“ under direct supervision by Denis and Tony Beltrand. – (Togeter with:) 8 leaves subscription sample. – Carteret IV, 214 (“L’une des meilleures productions de Maurice Denis“); Jentsch 5. – The uncut margins somewhat dusty, else a clean and fine, unopened copy. – Best.-Nr. 20655