LHANDE, Pierre and SERRES, Raoul. Mirentchu. - Lot 234

LHANDE, Pierre and SERRES, Raoul. Mirentchu. Paris, Editions Marpon et Cie, 1929. In-4 uncut sheets in paper pocket with flaps, cocoa and gilt cardboard case and folder. 256 pp. - 4 ff.n.ch., 16 plates and 17 vignettes in colored headbands under serpents. Some rubbing to slipcase, scattered foxing. Rare illustrated first edition of this Basque novel, the main success of Pierre Lhande (Pierre Bassagaitz Heguy - 1877-1957), academician of the Basque language. Raoul Serres (1881-1971) wonderfully illustrates Mirentxu and Miguel's love story with 16 etchings and 17 bandeaux. High-quality printing, the color is fixed by aquatint, allowing very subtle gradations while bringing out the depth inherent in the etching technique, very well mastered here. Limited edition of 196 copies, this one of 45 on Hollande van Gelder (no. 50), the last small-edition paper before the 100 on Arches. Beautiful piece in good condition.