FROMENTIN, Eugène. Dominique.
Paris, Hachette, 1863.
8vo [212 x 125 mm] of (5) ll., 372 pp.
Bound in brown morocco, gilt fillets on the covers, gilt cipher on the corners, spine ribbed and decorated with small tools and gilt ciphers, red morocco doublure richly decorated with a gilt border and gilt fleurons and ciphers, device in the center of a gilt sphere, red faille endpapers, gilt edges, case. Gruel.
First edition of the only novel by Eugene Fromentin, masterpiece of the psychological and autobiographical novel, dedicated to George Sand.
“The work is partially autobiographical, it is significant as Fromentin, a clever writer, a sharp critic of the Flemish and Dutch painting, knowing perfectly his limitations, wanted to say here the necessary renunciation of the man when he feels he doesn’t have the strength to be the one he was dreaming in his proud youth. Here is the deep thought of this book, and undoubtedly that is what distinguishes it from the other masterpieces of the psychological and autobiographical novel. The tone is subtle, autumnal, moderated even in the effusion, the naïve and romantic fervor dominated, turned into an almost classical attitude, as many characters that make of this novel an original and captivating work.”
Precious copy, one of the very rare printed on Dutch paper.
“Large papers in 8vo size, printed on Dutch paper, have been printed in a very small quantity and are very rare.”
Clouzot.
Are attached to the copy:
-A handwritten note signed by the author, directed to his printer, in order to ask him to “revise, as indicated, the beginning and the end of the foreword, and to send him back as soon as possible a last proof sheet / remanier, ainsi qu’il est indiqué, le début et la fin de la préface, et de renvoyer une dernière épreuve le plus tôt possible”.
-An 16mo letter signed directed to “Monsieur et cher confrère / Sir and dear colleague”: “My painting of the hearing must have been brought yesterday to the Palace of Industry… / Mon tableau de l’audience a dû être porté hier au Palais de l’industrie…”.
A superb copy of a sought-after first edition, very rare on Dutch paper, covered in a sumptuous lined binding uncommonly elegant with morocco doublures.
Provenance: Collection of Bourg de Bozas with ex libris.
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