Les Mois Douze Compositions D'Eugene Grasset graves fur bois & imprimes en chromotypographie
Paris: G. De Malherbe, (1895). First edition. Hardcover. 32 x 24.5 cm. Series of twelve color plates, one for each month, designed by the calendar of the Parisian department store of La Belle Jardiniere., image sheet size approximately 20 x 15.2 cm. In the early 1890's Grasset began experimenting with a new form of printing called chromotypography invented by his friend, Firmin Gillot. This calendar was printed in "Gillotage," a version of chromoypographie where the plates are engraved on wood and printed on vellum. Both Arwas and Murray Robertson date this calendar to 1896, but it was offered in the May 15, 1894 issue of La Plume (which was dedicated to Grasset's work). La Plume offered the calendar for sale on vellum at 5 francs, quoting it as "extremely rare." Grasset spent approximately 20 years working for La Belle Jardinere, designing additional calendars in 1899 and 1904. GORDON RAY p.465. Grasset "developed an early version of Art Nouveau to which he subsequently remained faithful, developing it constantly until 1900." Plates loose as issued in lettered gray wrappers, separated at spine, some light marginal toning at very edges outside the image area. In fine custom gilt lettered cloth portfolio with silk ties. Item #20487
Price: $4,250.00