LA MUSIQUE ET LA POESIE SECOURANT LES ARTISTES
Final State
Auguste Lepère (1849-1918), LA MUSIQUE ET LA POESIE SECOURANT LES ARTISTES, chiaroscuro woodcut, a set of 5 including 4 proofs (two color blocks, two proofs before letters and initials, and the final proof), each signed in pencil. Reference: Texier-Bernier 517. In good condition, each attached at corners to a backing card; the proofs each on chine volant, the final proof on wove. 7 1/2 x 5 1/4, each with margins 1-2 inches, matted on a single presentation mat.
A superb set of proofs demonstrating Lepere’s working method. Includes two color blocks, and two trial proofs before the initial in the block and the letters below. Each proof and the final impression is signed; one proof before letters is inscribed “essai”, another before letters is numbered, and the final proof is also numbered.
Proof before letters, numbered
Although the two trial proofs before letters are similar to the final state in several respects, the final state colors are a bit more vivid, and, most notably, in the final state Lepere has more clearly defined the buildings and particularly the figures.
Proof before letters inscribed "essai"
Orange Block
Yellow Block