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277 - SOPHOCLES. Oedipus Rex. A literal translation into French ve…
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Estimate €1,200 - €1,500
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Description
SOPHOCLES. Oedipus Rex. A literal translation into French verse by Jules Lacroix. Illustrations and ornamentation by Raphaël Freida. Elegant bindings by Gruel, containing one of the 12 first editions, this one on vellum, comprising two states of Freida’s etchings and their two-tone separations, as well as an additional state and the two- or three-tone separations on China paper and fine paper of the vignettes and ornaments. Paris, Veuve Romagnol, 1922. 2 large quarto volumes (280x380 mm), text volume in solid slate-coloured morocco, sets of quadruple and triple gilt fillets forming a geometric pattern of lozenges and rectangles on the covers, a ribbed spine adorned with a triple gilt border, gilt fillet on the edges, inner edge in the same morocco leather set with a five-fold blind-stamped and gilt frame and the signature "Gruel", linings and endpapers in green moiré silk with bronze-gold sheen, gilt head on endpapers, original illustrated cover preserved (Gruel). Volume of suites in slate-coloured half-morocco with corners edged in gold fillet, spine with raised bands similarly decorated, inner binding in the same morocco signed “Gruel”, linings and endpapers of brown and gold marbled paper, gilt head on endpapers, covers and spine preserved, edged slipcase (Gruel). 129 pages, 26 compositions by Raphaël Freida, including 10 plates (one on the cover, a frontispiece and 8 plates) etched by Pennequin, 16 two-tone vignettes in the text, engraved in intaglio by Piselli and Deloche, and 20 chapter heads and tailpieces wood-engraved by Ciavarri. Minimal rubbing to the spine, very slight wear to the edges of the slipcase. A splendid edition of Sophocles’ famous Greek tragedy, in Jules Lacroix’s literal translation into French verse, adorned with 26 striking compositions by Raphaël Freida, including 10 separate etchings and 16 two-tone woodcuts, as well as numerous wood-engraved ornaments and borders throughout the text. Limited edition of 300 copies, this being one of the first 12 reprints in quarto format on Imperial Japan paper or Arches vellum (this one being No. 8 on vellum), comprising for the etchings: the pure state, the final state with remarks, and their two-tone versions; for the vignettes and ornaments: the final state on China paper, and their two- or three-tone versions on China paper and fine paper. A fine and rare copy, perfectly executed by Léon Gruel (1841–1923).
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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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