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Premium KÂ- MONDO / KAPANDJI MORHANGE

124 - FRANCE (Anatole) and STEINLEN (Théophile-Alexandre). The Cra…
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Estimate €3,000 - €4,000
Sale commission
Description
FRANCE (Anatole) and STEINLEN (Théophile-Alexandre). The Crainquebille Affair. 63 illustrations by Steinlen. A remarkable copy on antique Japanese paper (no. 3) containing an original colour drawing signed by Steinlen and a separate set of artist’s proofs on Chinese paper, in an elegant Art Nouveau binding lined and inlaid with mosaics by Noulhac. Provenance: Raphaël Esmerian. Paris, Édouard Pelletan, 1901. In-4 (235x300 mm), ebony morocco, front cover inlaid with a floral frame mosaicked in green, red, black and brown morocco on a tan background, spine with raised bands cold-stamped with the title and author’s name in gold lettering, double gilt fillet on the edges, violet morocco linings framed by a gilt fillet and set with two strips of orange and havana morocco intertwining at the corners, signature "Noulhac Rel. 1927’ in the leather, chocolate-coloured silk endpapers, double endpapers, edges gilt on endpapers, covers and spine preserved, edged slipcase (Noulhac, 1927). 101 pages, 63 illustrations by Steinlen, including 6 full-page ones, wood-engraved by Deloche, E. and F. Florian, the two Froments, Gusman, Mathieu and Perrichon. Printed in black and red. Minor rubbing to the edges and along the spine. First edition of this long short story by Anatole France, a cynical indictment of the excesses of the judicial system through the story of a market gardener wrongly accused of insulting a police officer. It is illustrated with 63 compositions by the painter and engraver Théophile-Alexandre Steinlen (1859–1923), engraved by Deloche, Ernest and Frédéric Florian, the Froment brothers, Gusman, Mathieu and Perrichon. One of the finest illustrated books of the early 20th century, and Steinlen’s masterpiece. Limited edition of 400 copies; this is one of 25 copies on antique Japanese paper or re-imposed large vellum in quarto format (following two copies on Whatman paper), specifically no. 3, printed on antique Japanese paper for Dr H. Stilling, containing an original colour drawing signed by Steinlen and a separate set of signed artist’s proofs on China paper. It is further enhanced by the subscription specimen, illustrated with 3 engravings (1 double-leaf folio in-8 mounted on fine-edged tabs). Ex-libris with the monogram ‘Raphaël Esmerian’ on the flyleaf. A splendid copy in a lined and marbled binding, executed in 1927 by Henri Noulhac after a design by Madeleine Noulhac.
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About the sale Fine antique and collectible books, manuscripts and modern illustrated works
Auction location
Auction time 06/29/2026 at 2:00 PM
Pictures credits: Contact the Auction House
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