MAETERLINCK, Maurice, and LAURENS, Paul Albert. *Monna Vanna - Lot 238

MAETERLINCK, Maurice, and LAURENS, Paul Albert. *Monna Vanna*. A beautiful edition of Maurice Maeterlinck’s play, illustrated with 21 color engravings based on works by Paul Albert Laurens; one of 100 personalized copies in a beautiful full mosaic morocco binding by Jean Stroobants. Paris, Société du Livre d’Art, 1907. Quarto, full blue coarse-grained morocco, smooth spine adorned with a set of gilded frames and decorated at both ends with a mosaic frieze of medieval-inspired foliage and palmettes, the same framing motif is repeated on the covers, with mosaic friezes at the top and bottom enhanced by a cream morocco leather strip; the interior framing is in the same blue morocco, also adorned with a design of gilt fillets and strips; linings and endpapers in lemon-colored moiré silk, double endpapers, double fillet on the edges, guilloché caps, gilt top edge, untrimmed, original covers preserved, in a bordered slipcase. Binding signed “Stroobants.” 162 pp., 21 illustrations, including two full-page ones and an engraved title page. Based on Paul Albert Laurens, Worn corners, spine slightly sun-faded, and faint traces of the engravings on the facing pages. A beautiful edition of Maeterlinck’s medieval drama, illustrated with 21 color plates based on works by Paul Albert Laurens (1870–1934). Limited edition of 130 numbered copies on vellum; this is one of the 100 personalized copies reserved for members of the Société du Livre d’Art (No. 55 for “M. Robert-S. Rolo”). Finely engraved and beautifully colored in etching by Xavier Maccard and Charles Wittmann, the illustrations spanning the play’s three acts include three initial letters and five headpieces inspired by medieval illuminations. This same eclecticism likely influenced Jean Stroobants (1858–1912), who created this very attractive binding. Very good condition.