GAUTIER, Théophile, and LAURENS, Paul Albert. *La Morte amou - Lot 183

GAUTIER, Théophile, and LAURENS, Paul Albert. *La Morte amoureuse*. An early short story by Théophile Gauthier, illustrated with 25 color engravings by Eugène Decisy after Paul Albert Laurens. Paris, A. Romagnol for the Librairie de la Collection des Dix, 1904. In-4, full red Jansenist morocco, ribbed spine, interior frieze composed of Romantic-inspired gilded palmettes, double gilded fillet with notches, guilloché caps, gilded head edge, untrimmed, original cover preserved. 78 pp. - 2 unnumbered folios, 25 chisel-engraved plates colored with aquatint, including 8 full-page plates. Some slight signs of wear and minor soiling; very rare and minimal foxing. Separate first edition of this short story excerpted from *Une Larme du diable* (1839). 25 engravings—including 8 full-page engravings—in burin and etching in color by Eugène Decisy (1866–1936) illustrate this early fantasy short story by Théophile Gautier, all based on watercolors by Paul Albert Laurens (1870–1934). Exquisitely executed, the engravings are particularly remarkable for their play of tones, to the point that it is difficult to believe they were not hand-colored. Limited edition of 300 copies; this one is one of 200 (no. 185) on vellum, featuring the “avant la lettre” version of the inset engravings. A beautiful illustrated book from the very early 20th century.