POTTIER — TERRACOTTA STATUETTES IN ANTIQUITY — 1890 - Lot 235

POTTIER — TERRACOTTA STATUETTES IN ANTIQUITY — 1890 POTTIER (Edmond). Terracotta Statuettes in Antiquity. Paris, Librairie Hachette et Cie, 1890. In-12, VI-314 pp., publisher’s red percaline cloth binding, rich black antique-inspired decoration on the front cover and spine, blue endpapers. “Bibliothèque des Merveilles” collection. First edition, illustrated with 92 engravings based on drawings by J. Devillard. Contemporary bibliographies confirm this collation and, as early as 1890, highlighted the work’s scientific and graphic quality. A study by Edmond Pottier (1855–1934) devoted to ancient terracotta figurines, from their origins through Greek and Hellenistic productions, with particular emphasis on the figurines from Tanagra. Pottier would later continue his research on Greek terracotta figurines and the Louvre’s collections. A prize copy from the Verdun Municipal College, with a large label pasted onto the flyleaf: “University of France—Academy of Nancy—Verdun Municipal College—Solemn Award Ceremony—Saturday, July 30, 1892,” awarding the 2nd prize in History and Geography. An interesting school provenance that is perfectly contemporary with the edition. Sturdy cardboard binding; decoration still clearly legible, but the percaline is faded and scuffed, particularly on the front cover and spine; minor wear on the headbands and corners. Interior shows some foxing and discoloration.