Charles-Marie LECONTE DE LISLE

Rare original lithograph printed in colour, by Louis John Rhead for L'Estampe Moderne, “Deuxième prime gratuite réservée aux abonnés d'un an de L'Estampe Moderne” [Second free gift reserved for the annual subscribers to L'Estampe Moderne].
One of the 50 grand luxe proofs printed on Japon paper with wide margins, artist's signature and date in the plate, publisher's embossed stamp showing a child's profile on the lower margin, a numbered stamp of the tirage de luxe on the back; engraving preceded by a protective tissue guard with the name of the artist, the title and a poem; as well as a blank protective tissue guard.
Lithograph inspired by a poem extract...

The rare first edition of which there were no large paper copies.
Superb brown morocco by Huser, spine in six compartments, date gilt at foot, gilt roulettes to head- and tail- pieces, marbled pastedowns and endpapers, large gilt dentelle frame to pastedowns, covers and spine preserved, double gilt fillet to edges of covers, all edges gilt, ex libris to pastedown, slipcase edged in brown morocco, marbled paper boards, lined with cream-colored felt.
Autograph inscription from Charles-Marie-René Leconte de Lisle to Alphonse Toussenel.
A fine copy in a magnificent binding by Huser.