LAURENS, Paul Albert. A series of six etchings by Albert Lau - Lot 199

LAURENS, Paul Albert. A series of six etchings by Albert Laurens for *Aphrodite* by Pierre Louÿs. A rare series of 6 engravings, printed in an edition of only 150 copies; this one on Holland paper. Paris, Pierre Duffaut, 1897. In-8, in loose sheets, in a folder with flaps printed in violet, decorated on the front cover with a gilded butterfly. 6 engravings and a facsimile letter. A few foxing spots on the folder. The suite comprises 6 original etchings by Paul Albert Laurens (1870–1934). The plates are numbered in pencil and signed on the plate. The novel *Aphrodite*, published in 1896, was a phenomenal success. In the facsimile of the letter that opens the series (dated September 18, 1897), Pierre Louÿs had already given his approval to the artist. “It is therefore unnecessary to give you my opinion on this illustration, which is now complete. It is exactly as I had imagined it.” Paul Albert Laurens subsequently illustrated two other works by Louÿs: *Léda* and *Les Chansons de Bilitis*. Included is Pierre Louÿs’s preface to his *Aphrodite* (3 printed pages from the *Revue Blanche*, No. 67, March 15, 1896). Limited edition of 150 copies; this is one of the 100 numbered copies on Holland paper. Engravings in very fine condition.