Papier-mâché Pencil Case Decorated With A Trompe l'Oeil Of Books In Relief, Late 19th - Early 20th Century

Pencil case in papier-mâché or boiled cardboard with a raised trompe-l'oeil decoration simulating a library with works by Bossuet, Racine, Fénelon, La Fontaine, Madame de Sévigné, Molière, Victor Hugo and Lamartine. Among these illustrious names, one last one stands out: Duruy. This is probably Victor Duruy (1811 - 1894). Historian, professor and author of numerous school textbooks before being appointed Minister of Public Instruction by Napoleon III in 1863, he distinguished himself in particular by submitting a bill intended to make primary school free and compulsory, by imposing history and geography, and by creating the first secondary courses for women.Manufacture Adt, Pont-à-Mousson - Forbach. Model without push button, interior with three compartments. Dimensions: length 20.3 cm - height 3.6 cm - depth 5.5 cm. Very good condition, hinges intact, minimal wear. Rare model.