![TENNYSON, Alfred, first baron Tennyson (1809-1892) -- DORE, Gustave (illustrator, 1832-1883). Idylls of the King. A set of 11 steel-engraved plates after Doré in proof state on light buff paper, mounted on cartridge paper, London: E[dward] Moxon, variously dated 1 November 1866 (Elaine), 1 November 1867 (Vivien and Guinevere), and 1 November 1868 (Enid), image 240 x 184mm, 598 x 483mm. with mount, EACH SIGNED IN PENCIL BY THE ILLUSTRATOR AND POET, also by the engraver, and with Printsellers' Association blindstamp (each stamp with a differing three letter code).](https://www.christies.com/img/LotImages/2007/CKS/2007_CKS_07399_0228_000(021234).jpg?w=1)
Details
TENNYSON, Alfred, first baron Tennyson (1809-1892) -- DORE, Gustave (illustrator, 1832-1883). Idylls of the King. A set of 11 steel-engraved plates after Doré in proof state on light buff paper, mounted on cartridge paper, London: E[dward] Moxon, variously dated 1 November 1866 (Elaine), 1 November 1867 (Vivien and Guinevere), and 1 November 1868 (Enid), image 240 x 184mm, 598 x 483mm. with mount, EACH SIGNED IN PENCIL BY THE ILLUSTRATOR AND POET, also by the engraver, and with Printsellers' Association blindstamp (each stamp with a differing three letter code).
The plates comprise: 'Geraint slays Earl Dooron' and 'Geraint and Enid ride away' (some glue marks and stains on mounts); 'Lancelot relating his Adventures', 'The Body of Elaine on the Way to King Arthur's Palace' and 'King Arthur reading the Letter of Elaine' (the first with spotting to buff paper, some staining and spotting of mounts); 'Vivien and Merlin in Repose', 'The Knights' Progress', 'The Cave Scene' and 'Vivien encloses Merlin in the Tree' (the last two with spotting to buff paper, some soiling, spotting and staining of mounts); and 'Terrace Scene' (illustrated above) and 'The Joyous Spirits' from Guinevere (the last with light stains on mount).
Idylls of the King was published by Moxon in 1868 with Tennyson's text to the four books and 36 plates on India paper by G.H. Finden and others after Doré. However, Elaine, Vivien and Guinevere had appeared separately in 1867 with 9 plates in each, followed by Enid in 1868. Ray notes that 'The interest of the plates after Doré, the work of the best English engravers, resides less in the figures than in the settings of castles, valleys and forests.' The medieval world is lit only by a fading or faded light, and Tennyson's characters are turned into quiet, melancholy shadows. Ray, French, 250. (11)
The plates comprise: 'Geraint slays Earl Dooron' and 'Geraint and Enid ride away' (some glue marks and stains on mounts); 'Lancelot relating his Adventures', 'The Body of Elaine on the Way to King Arthur's Palace' and 'King Arthur reading the Letter of Elaine' (the first with spotting to buff paper, some staining and spotting of mounts); 'Vivien and Merlin in Repose', 'The Knights' Progress', 'The Cave Scene' and 'Vivien encloses Merlin in the Tree' (the last two with spotting to buff paper, some soiling, spotting and staining of mounts); and 'Terrace Scene' (illustrated above) and 'The Joyous Spirits' from Guinevere (the last with light stains on mount).
Idylls of the King was published by Moxon in 1868 with Tennyson's text to the four books and 36 plates on India paper by G.H. Finden and others after Doré. However, Elaine, Vivien and Guinevere had appeared separately in 1867 with 9 plates in each, followed by Enid in 1868. Ray notes that 'The interest of the plates after Doré, the work of the best English engravers, resides less in the figures than in the settings of castles, valleys and forests.' The medieval world is lit only by a fading or faded light, and Tennyson's characters are turned into quiet, melancholy shadows. Ray, French, 250. (11)
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