Jean de La Fontaine – Contes et Nouvelles en Vers
Illustrated with Original Lithographs by André Derain
Aux Dépens d’un Amateur, Paris, 1950
A magnificent deluxe bibliophile edition of Jean de La Fontaine’s celebrated Contes et Nouvelles en Vers, illustrated throughout with original lithographs by André Derain, one of the leading figures of twentieth-century French art and a founding master of Fauvism.
Issued in Paris in 1950 by Aux Dépens d’un Amateur, this exceptional publication was produced in two large octavo volumes, preserved in their original chemises and publisher’s slipcase. Plus one volume with the Suites The work contains 67 original lithographs by André Derain, printed by the renowned Mourlot workshops, with 28 lithographs in Volume I and 39 lithographs in Volume II.
This copy is Exemplar No. 18, belonging to the highly restricted deluxe issue of only 10 copies numbered 11–20, printed on Vélin de Montval paper. Unlike the standard edition, it includes:
A complete suite on Chine of all 67 lithographs contained in the book.
An additional suite on Japon vergé of 15 unpublished and unused lithographic plates (planches inutilisées).
Original publisher’s chemises and slipcase.
Complete justification page confirming its place within the deluxe issue.
The publication was originally conceived by the legendary art dealer and publisher Ambroise Vollard, who commissioned Derain’s illustrations during the 1930s. Following Vollard’s death, the project remained unfinished for many years before finally being brought to completion and published in 1950, becoming one of the most important illustrated books of Derain’s career.
The edition is referenced in Monod 6687, one of the standard bibliographical references for modern French illustrated books.
Bibliographical Details
Author: Jean de La Fontaine
Artist: André Derain
Title: Contes et Nouvelles en Vers
Publisher: Aux Dépens d’un Amateur
Place: Paris
Year: 1950
Format: Two volumes, loose leaves as issued
Illustrations: 67 original lithographs by André Derain
Paper: Vélin de Montval
Reference: Monod 6687
Copy: No. 18
Special Issue: One of only 10 copies numbered 11–20
Additional Material: Complete suite on Chine of all lithographs and suite on Japon vergé of 15 unused plates
An exceptionally rare and highly desirable deluxe example of one of the great masterpieces of twentieth-century French illustrated book production, combining literary importance, outstanding artistic achievement, and remarkable rarity.
