[ambroise Vollard] Works By François Villon, Ill. By Emile Bernard. 1918. 1/225.

VILLON (François)
-
BERNARD (Emile, woodcuts by).

Works by François Villon.

Paris, published by Ambroise Vollard [Georges Crès et Cie], 1918 [1919].

A substantial volume in small folio format (332 x 255 mm), 432 pp., loose-leaf, with an illustrated cover featuring filled flaps.

A unique print run of only 254 copies of this “very fine, cataloged edition” (in Carteret).
This copy is one of the 225 in the numbered edition on watermark-embossed handmade paper.

The work is embellished—in the first printing—with 312 superb and striking woodcuts by Emile Bernard.
(The plates were destroyed after printing).

“A native of Lille, Émile Bernard attended Cormon’s studio, but immediately displayed such independence that he was expelled.”

Fascinated by new trends in art, Emile Bernard is credited with pioneering Symbolism.
He can also be considered the inventor of Cloisonnism, whose effects were later reused by the Nabis.

In addition to painting, he devoted himself to sculpture, tapestry, and engraving for the illustration of monumental editions.” (in Bénézit).

Monod II, *Manual for the Collector of Modern Illustrated Books*, 11281 - Mahé, *Directory of Luxury Editions*, p. 20 - Carteret IV, *The Bibliophile’s Treasure / Modern Illustrated Books*, p. 401 - Bailly-Herzberg, Dictionary of Printmaking in France, p. 29 - Bénézit I, Dictionary of Painters, p. 667 - Osterwalder I, Dictionary of Illustrators, p. 126 (citing this work by the artist).

The edges of the covers are slightly sun-faded. Rubbing on the binding edges. Minor creases at the top and bottom of the spine, which also has a small cut. The interior is in excellent condition, except that four quires show some foxing. Nevertheless, in beautiful condition.