Paul Gavani - Les Joyaux - Fantaisie - 1850

Gavarni – Les Joyaux. Fantaisie – Paris, G. de Gonet – c. 1850

Magnificent 19th-century French luxury edition, featuring 16 hand-coloured plates, exceptionally delicate paper-lace borders and a richly gilt, polychrome publisher's binding.

A beautifully illustrated edition of Les Joyaux, featuring designs by the celebrated French artist Paul Gavarni (1804–1866), with text by Méry and Minéralogie des dames by the Comte Félix.

Published in Paris by G. de Gonet, circa 1850.

Illustrations and exceptional decorative features

The volume contains 16 exquisite hand-coloured plates, all present and corresponding exactly to the original list of illustrations.

Of particular interest are the elaborate, lace-like cut-paper borders (papier dentelle) surrounding the illustrations.

These exceptionally fragile decorative elements have survived entirely intact, a particularly desirable feature of this copy.

The illustrations depict elegantly dressed women, precious stones and jewellery, reflecting the refined taste and romantic fashion of mid-19th-century France.

Remarkable original publisher's binding

The book retains its magnificent original black publisher's binding, elaborately decorated with gilt tooling and polychrome details in blue, red and green.

The front cover features an intricate composition of jewellery, precious objects, ornamental motifs and luxurious fabrics.

The publisher's name, G. de Gonet, is incorporated into the decorative design.

All edges gilt.

An outstanding example of the decorative sophistication of French luxury book production during the Romantic period.

Bibliographical details

- Artist: Paul Gavarni
- Text: Méry and Comte Félix
- Title: Les Joyaux – Fantaisie
- Publisher: G. de Gonet, Paris
- Date: circa 1850
- Pagination: 316 pages
- Illustrations: 16 hand-coloured plates, complete
- Format: 27 × 19 cm
- Binding: Original richly gilt and polychrome publisher's binding
- Edges: All edges gilt

Condition

A well-preserved copy showing minor signs of age and use, including some rubbing and wear to the binding, particularly at the edges and corners.

The elaborate gilt and coloured decorations remain remarkably attractive.

All 16 hand-coloured plates are present, together with their exceptionally delicate paper-lace borders, which have survived intact.

Includes a contemporary handwritten dedication dated 8 February 1851.

A complete and highly decorative example of a luxurious French illustrated publication, particularly desirable for its original publisher's binding, hand-coloured plates and beautifully preserved paper-lace decorations.