BEAUMARCHAIS — THEATER — JEAN GRADASSI — 2 OF 3 VOLUMES — 19 - Lot 28

BEAUMARCHAIS — THEATER — JEAN GRADASSI — 2 OF 3 VOLUMES — 1980–1981 BEAUMARCHAIS (Pierre-Augustin Caron de). The Theater of Beaumarchais. Illustrated by Jean Gradassi, “the Miniaturist.” Monte Carlo, Éditions Arts et Couleurs, 1980–1981. Set of 2 in-4 volumes out of the 3 comprising the edition, publisher’s bindings in burgundy morocco leather, covers richly embossed and highlighted with gilt fillets, central medallion featuring a portrait of Beaumarchais, spined and gilt backs, gilt capitals. Slipcases edged with leather and marbled paper covers. Extensive illustrations by Jean Gradassi, including full-page and double-page color compositions, borders, vignettes, and decorative elements in the style of illuminated manuscripts. The complete edition normally consists of 3 volumes and is limited to 2,530 numbered copies on Arches vellum. The two volumes presented here are: Volume I — The Barber of Seville, or The Useless Precaution; The Merchant of Lyon, or The Two Friends. Printing completed on June 20, 1980. Volume II — The Marriage of Figaro, or The Mad Day; Eugénie. Printed on February 20, 1981. The third volume, containing The Guilty Mother, or The Other Tartuffe, and Tarare, or Free Will, is therefore missing. The description of the complete set held by Librairie Blaizot confirms precisely this three-volume composition. Based on the photographs, the set is in very fine overall condition: fresh decorative bindings, well-preserved gilding, clean pages, and illustrations with very vivid colors. Slips are present.