The Insect. [Fore-Edge Painting].

MICHELET, Jules. Illustrated by Giacomelli.

$975.00

Item Number: 136458

London: T. Nelson and Sons, 1875.

First edition of this elaborately illustrated work. Octavo, bound in full morocco with gilt titles and elaborate gilt tooling to the spine and panels, inner dentelles, all edges gilt, with 140 illustrations by Giacomelli. Decorated with a hidden double fore-edge painting displaying landscapes of Boston and Philadelphia. In very good condition.

The first known example of a disappearing fore-edge painting (where the painting is not visible when the book is closed) dates back to 1649. Around 1750, the subject matter of fore-edge paintings changed from simply decorative or heraldic designs to landscapes, portraits and religious scenes, usually painted in full color. The technique was popularized in the 18th century by John Brindley (1732-1756), publisher and bookbinder to the Prince of Wales and Edwards of Halifax, a distinguished family of bookbinders and booksellers. The majority of extant examples of fore-edge paintings date to the late 19th and early 20th century on reproductions of books originally published in the early 19th century, including the present volume.