![LA FONTAINE, Jean de (1621-1695). Contes et Nouvelles en vers. Amsterdam [Paris: David Jeune], 1762.](https://www.christies.com/img/LotImages/2013/NYR/2013_NYR_02800_0575_000(la_fontaine_jean_de_contes_et_nouvelles_en_vers_amsterdam_paris_david082434).jpg?w=1)
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LA FONTAINE, Jean de (1621-1695). Contes et Nouvelles en vers. Amsterdam [Paris: David Jeune], 1762.
2 volumes, 8o (178 x 114 mm). Engraved portrait of La Fontaine and Eisen by Picquet after Rigaud and Vispré, 80 plates by Eisen engraved by Aliament, Barquoy, Choffard, Delafosse, Filipart, Lemire, Leveau, de Longueil, 4 vignettes and 53 culs-de-lampe by Choffard. This copy EXTRA-ILLUSTRATED with 7 rejected plates bound-in. 20th-century gold-tooled red morocco by Chambord Duru, edges gilt. Provenance: Ch. Bouret (bookplate on flyleaf); C.V.R.D. (gift inscription on verso of flyleaf); Thayer family (sold to note); acquired from Goodspeed's Book Shop, 1986.
Fermiers Généraux Edition, mixed state with the plates "Le Diable de Papefiguiere" in the decouvertes state and "Le cas de conscience" in the couvertes state. The Goncourts call this edition "the great monument and triumph of the vignette, which dominates and drowns all the illustrations of the age" (see Ray, pp. 54-5). According to Ray, "Eisen's eighty designs for La Fontaine are the liveliest and most adroit that he ever drew. Thoroughly at home with the varied action of these lusty stories -- their love passages, their intrigues, their practical jokes -- he is also expert in choosing the moment in each that will best serve his purpose as an illustrator." Cohen-de-Ricci p. 558.; Ray, French 26; Tchemerzine III p. 862. (2)
2 volumes, 8o (178 x 114 mm). Engraved portrait of La Fontaine and Eisen by Picquet after Rigaud and Vispré, 80 plates by Eisen engraved by Aliament, Barquoy, Choffard, Delafosse, Filipart, Lemire, Leveau, de Longueil, 4 vignettes and 53 culs-de-lampe by Choffard. This copy EXTRA-ILLUSTRATED with 7 rejected plates bound-in. 20th-century gold-tooled red morocco by Chambord Duru, edges gilt. Provenance: Ch. Bouret (bookplate on flyleaf); C.V.R.D. (gift inscription on verso of flyleaf); Thayer family (sold to note); acquired from Goodspeed's Book Shop, 1986.
Fermiers Généraux Edition, mixed state with the plates "Le Diable de Papefiguiere" in the decouvertes state and "Le cas de conscience" in the couvertes state. The Goncourts call this edition "the great monument and triumph of the vignette, which dominates and drowns all the illustrations of the age" (see Ray, pp. 54-5). According to Ray, "Eisen's eighty designs for La Fontaine are the liveliest and most adroit that he ever drew. Thoroughly at home with the varied action of these lusty stories -- their love passages, their intrigues, their practical jokes -- he is also expert in choosing the moment in each that will best serve his purpose as an illustrator." Cohen-de-Ricci p. 558.; Ray, French 26; Tchemerzine III p. 862. (2)