François Courboin - ‎La gravure en France des origines à 1900‎ [reliure d'Affolter] - 1923

Original edition of this rare monograph on engraving published by François Courboin, engraver, librarian, and print historian (1865-1926). He was director of the Cabinet of Prints (1906-1925).

Illustrated work with 204 black-and-white reproductions in the text and 8 color plates outside the text.

Binding signed by Affolter in half-morocco with corner panels, spine with four nerves, gilt title and author, and multiple gilt borders forming compartments. Gilt head. Cover and spine preserved.

Condition: back a bit worn, some scratches on the crowns, nerves, and corners. Interior impeccable, uncut. In very good condition.

In 1923, Courboin published 'La Gravure en France. From the origins to 1900.' Building on the material from his first essay, he then outlined a historical overview of printed images, skillfully blending material, technical, and stylistic considerations that define the art of printmaking. Although his aim was not to produce a reference work but rather to create a broad sketch aimed at beginners, his approach was unprecedented. The illustration, printed within the text, plays a crucial role — the most recent publications in this field did not benefit from such a technical innovation — and each section is supplemented with a bibliography, enabling the reader to deepen their study.

Provenance: two bookplates glued on the front pastedown and the back cover, one from André Barbier, the other from Jean Barrier.

François Courboin
The engraving in France from origins to 1900
Paris, Librairie Delagrave, 1923
in-4 (28 x 23 cm); 258 pages.