MARIVAUX (Pierre de), The Game of Love and Chance. - Lot 223

MARIVAUX (Pierre de), The Game of Love and Chance. The Three Comedies of Love. Illustrations by Maurice Leloir, etched by E. Pennequin. Paris, Édition Ferroud, 1905. Large 8vo, later binding with corners, brown morocco spine with raised bands, marbled paper covers, cover and spine preserved. A beautiful bibliophile’s edition of one of the masterpieces of 18th-century French theater. First performed in 1730 by the Comédiens Italiens, *Le Jeu de l’Amour et du Hasard* remains Marivaux’s most famous comedy, a masterful exploration of human emotions in which social disguises reveal the truths of the heart. This edition, published by Ferroud in the early 20th century, is part of the great tradition of illustrated books intended for lovers of literature and fine books. It is adorned with illustrations by Maurice Leloir, one of the most renowned illustrators of his time for his depictions of the 18th century, etched by E. Pennequin. The plates elegantly recreate the settings, costumes, and atmosphere of the “galant” society so dear to Marivaux, in the spirit of historical accuracy for which Leloir was renowned. The print run was strictly limited. This copy bears number 21 of a print run of 150 copies on specially manufactured Marais paper, including a proof of the etchings, following 25 copies on Japon paper and 50 copies on Imperial Japon paper reserved for the very first print runs. The volume belongs to that generation of luxury editions that contributed to the rediscovery of the great French classical authors among bibliophiles of the Belle Époque. It combines the typographic quality of Ferroud editions with particularly refined illustrations inspired by 18th-century aesthetics. A very fine copy in an elegant later binding, retaining its original covers. The interior is fresh, and the illustrations are well preserved. A charming illustrated edition of one of Marivaux’s theatrical masterpieces, enriched by Maurice Leloir’s illustrations and printed in a small run on Marais paper.