Fables de La Fontaine: Edition Illustrée, Vol. II

Abstract

Here is Volume II of a lovely pair of volumes. They belong, I believe, most appropriately between Bodemann #287.3 and #287.4. It seems that the family of Bodemann #287 is dominated by the illustrations of Jules David. The unusual quality of these two volumes may be to integrate his work with those of others. He is responsible, I believe, for the lovely portal illustrations on special paper before each book, These little (4½ x 6¾) volumes include not only those portals before each book but also full-page black-and-white illustrations, like La Fille (facing 17); L'Horoscope (facing 92); Le Loup et le Chasseur (facing 117); L'Huitre et les Plaideurs (facing 143); and Le Corbeau, la Gazelle, la Tortue, et le Rat (facing 283). Virtually every fable has an introductory partial-page illustration. These I believe I have seen often before. Many also have tailpieces or printer's designs. The headpieces and tailpieces are extraordinarily clear and sharp. The names fit with the engravers in Bodemann #287.3. There is a T of C for this volume at the end. In sum, this lovely pair of volumes offers four kinds of illustrations. First, there is a portal for each book, offering several images in an architectural tour-de-force. Secondly, there are the strong full-page illustrations. Thirdly there are the standard but well printed headpieces for each fable. Fourthly, there are tailpieces and printer's designs at the end of some fables.