LEVRON (Jacques) — Images of Versailles. Paris, Les Heures C - Lot 167

LEVRON (Jacques) — Images of Versailles. Paris, Les Heures Claires, undated [circa 1950]. In-8, loose-leaf, with a padded cover, a cream-colored cloth slipcase and dust jacket from the publisher, with the title gilded on the spine of the slipcase. First edition, illustrated with 12 original drypoint engravings by Charles Samson, including a frontispiece and 11 compositions within the text, printed in Manuel Robbe’s studio. One of 300 copies with hand-colored drypoint engravings, numbered 13 through 312; this one is no. 92. The limited edition also includes 12 copies enhanced with an original drawing and a black-and-white sequence. This colored version is therefore indeed one of the most sought-after editions of the work. Samson’s delicate illustrations depict various views of the palace and gardens of Versailles; here, they are enhanced with hand-applied color. Condition: numerous foxing spots affecting the cover, the first and last leaves, as well as, more sporadically, the leaves and certain plates; the binding is also pitted. The slipcase and case are heavily pitted and stained, with minor signs of wear on the corners and flaps. The drypoint engravings, however, remain well-preserved overall.