LEVRON (Jacques). — The Charm of the Loire Valley. Drypoint - Lot 168

LEVRON (Jacques). — The Charm of the Loire Valley. Drypoint engravings by Charles Samson. Paris, Les Heures Claires, 1953. Quarto, loose-leaf, with a padded cover, publisher’s folder and slipcase. A beautiful edition dedicated to the Loire Valley, illustrated with original drypoint engravings by Charles Samson, several of which are enhanced with color, depicting notably Angers and various sites and monuments of the Loire Valley. Copy No. 121, one of 131 copies printed on pure-fiber Rives vellum, accompanied by a set of engravings with notes, numbered from 20 to 150. The print run comprises 700 copies: 1 head copy featuring two original drawings, six original sketches, and a suite with annotations; 18 copies with two original drawings and a suite; 131 copies, including this one, with a set of engravings with annotations; and 550 copies on pure-thread Rives vellum. The set of drypoint engravings with annotations, kept separately, is present. A few scattered foxing spots and pinholes affect the volume and some plates in the suite. The publisher’s cover and slipcase are discolored, pinholed, and stained, with signs of wear. The interior is nevertheless well-preserved overall, with the engravings generally remaining crisp.