LA FONTAINE, J. de. *The Loves of Psyche and Cupid*. Followe - Lot 3

LA FONTAINE, J. de. *The Loves of Psyche and Cupid*. Followed by *Adonis*. Paris: Belin, 1899. 2 vols. in 4, in the publisher’s cardboard binding with antique paper; printed in a total run of 250 numbered copies on handmade vellum paper. Illustrated with 26 plates by Borel (including 2 title plates), engraved in color by Vigna-Vigneron. All plates printed in three states (pure etching, bistre, and final color print). A color breakdown for one plate was included with each volume. It is, in fact, a book of the “18th century” in terms of both its typography and its illustrations: Borel’s plates had been commissioned by Didot toward the end of the reign of Louis XVI. The Revolution—or shifts in artistic tastes—prevented its publication. The original drawings passed into the collection of Morel de Vindé, then to Decloux, and were acquired in 1898 by the bookseller Belin, who published them. Spine sun-faded, minor wear, and damaged headbands, corners, and spine.