Horace / Aristide Maillol - Odes d'Horace [1/50 de tête avec double suite] - 1939-1939

[RARE EDITION] HORACE - Odes (2 Vols.) - Illustrated by Aristide MAILLOL (1939) - Holy-soul/ Elite Copy XVI/L with Monogrammed Suites
Quick Preview:
A masterpiece of 20th-century bibliophilia, pairing Horace's ancient poetry with Aristide Maillol's sculptural and graphic genius, edited by master printer Philippe Gonin.
This is a head/limited edition copy numbered on grand paper, complete in 2 volumes with their original cases, enriched by its original wood suites, all monogrammed in pencil by the sculptor (AM).
Detailed Technical Sheet:
Author: Horace (Quintus Horatius Flaccus)
Title: Carmina / Odes of Horace (Vols I & II)
Translation: Latin text and French verse translation by Baron Delort
Illustrator: Aristide MAILLOL (original wood engravings: illustrations off-text, headings, and tailpieces)
Publisher / Printer: Philippe Gonin, Paris Publication date: 1939 (M.CM.XXXIX)
Format & Collation: 2 volumes in large octavo / in quarto
Jaskets, in sheets under gilted covers, with cloth-case bindings and original packaging.
Justification of the print run & Special Features (Exceptional Copy):
Head edition numbered on pure hemp paper from the vat: Copy no. XVI / L (13 of 50 copies reserved).
Presence of the original wood suites:
Presence of the double suite of Aristide Maillol's wood engravings (on vat paper, in black and sanguine tones).
The suite covers bear contemporaneous manuscript justification and the monogrammed pencil signature of Aristide Maillol (AM circled).
Original inscription on the back of the cases:
“With double suite XVI/L”.
Condition:
Sheets & Pages: Remarkable state of freshness.
Linen/hemp paper from the vat, very white/ivory, edges untrimmed (hair stays), absence of foxing.
Engravings: Impeccable proofs, with very fine impression and good relief.
Cases & Fronts: Sturdy and well preserved, light patinas/normal wear marks on the outer carton of the cases.
Volume I:
Page count: 179 pages (preceded by 5 front matter leaves and followed by table of contents/imprimatur).
Illustrations: 51 wood engravings by Aristide Maillol.
Volume II:
Page count: 278 pages (preceded by 2–4 preliminary leaves and followed by table leaves).
Illustrations: 67 wood engravings by Aristide Maillol.
Total of the work: 457 pages of text across the 2 volumes, adorned with a complete set of 118 original wood engravings drawn and engraved by Aristide Maillol.
About the work:
This edition of Horace’s Odes is regarded as one of the pinnacles of the French artist’s book between the wars. Maillol delivers a work of incomparable sobriety and classical grace, recalling his famous sculpted figures. The specially crafted paper for master printer Philippe Gonin offers an exceptional touch and hold.