Signé; Paul Vera / Madeleine de l'Aubespine (Callianthe) - ‎Les chansons de Callianthe, fille de Ronsard [avec 2 dessins originaux + envoi + suites] - 1926

Original illustrated edition of 5 wood engravings by Paul Vera in two tones (black and green) and a frontispiece portrait of Callianthe in color, reproduced in facsimile.

Limited edition of 400 numbered copies, this one being a nominative artist's proof printed for Paul Vera on Arches handmade paper.

It is enriched with the following parts:
- Two original drawings: one in ink and watercolor under a passe-partout, signed by the artist, used as an illustration for one of the book's banners; the second created with pencil and watercolor on the half-title, accompanied by a signed autograph inscription from the artist 'to Louis Rouart, very cordially.'
A double set of engravings, one in bistre printed on China (5+5 plates).

Softcover, flap cover.

Condition: In very good condition, clean and fresh interior, same for the cover. Slight foxing on the pages of the suite (in black and green).

Paul Vera (1882-1957), a French painter and decorator who worked in garden design with his brother André Vera. He was also a engraver, illustrator, and ceramicist.

These love poems are attributed to a poetess close to Philippe Desportes, sometimes Madeleine de L'Aubépine (1546-1596), lady-in-waiting to Catherine de Médicis and friend of Ronsard, sometimes Héliette de Vivonne (1558-1625).

Signed; Paul Vera / Madeleine de l'Aubespine (Callianthe)
The songs of Callianthe, daughter of Ronsard [with 2 original drawings + mailing + additional content]
Paris, at the printer's Léon Pichon, 1926
in-4 (26.5 x 20 cm); 92 pages.