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88 - CAMUS (Edmond-Gustave). Iconography of Orchids in the Paris …
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Estimate €5,000 - €6,000
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Description
CAMUS (Edmond-Gustave). Iconography of Orchids in the Paris Area. Paris, Imprimerie Paindebled, 1885. Folio, 26 x 39 cm, 30 leaves. (26.5 x 39 cm) bound with Parisian staples, cover, 1 + 40 loose plates, period slipcase with flaps in green percaline, title and date gilt on the front cover. A very rare first edition, printed in a run of only 12 copies, of this remarkable study. Text autographed and lithographed. A Parisian pharmacist and botanist, Camus (1852–1915), who lived in L’Isle-Adam—where numerous species of orchids grew at the time—was unable to have his study published and ‘ undertook the labourious task of creating 12 copies of [his] monograph by drawing and painting the 40 plates that comprise it 12 times each’ (Preface). He presented two copies to institutions and the others to his colleagues, friends and family. Includes 40 original watercolours painted by the author (approx. 13 x 40 cm), and one original watercolour painted and signed by the author (21 x 24 cm), all mounted. Autograph ex-dono signed by the author to the library of the Paris School of Pharmacy (call number on the reverse of the front cover of the folder), where he had attended courses. The work is, moreover, dedicated to his professor, Adolphe Chatin, then director of the school. A very fine copy, from the natural history libraries of Philippe de Vilmorin (1872–1917), botanist, horticulturist and collector of plates (ex-libris engraved by Picart), and subsequently from Gilbert Dufaux (embossed stamp on the title page, the dedication page and each of the leaves on which the plates are mounted). Front cover detached. Cover rubbed – Expert: Cédric and Ithier de FOUGEROLLE
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About the sale Antique and modern books, manuscripts
Auction location
Auction time 10/21/2026 at 1:30 PM
Ref. : 15251 - 173
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