FLERS (Robert de) - MUCHA (Alphonse). - Lot 74

FLERS (Robert de) - MUCHA (Alphonse). Ilsée princesse de Tripoli. Paris: H. Piazza & Cie, 1897. - In-4, 330x255: (7 ff. first 3 blanks), 52 pp, (2 ff.), pp. 53-94, (2 ff.), pp. 95-128, (5 ff. last blank), embossed cover on japon. Paperback, slipcase. Precious and extremely rare trial proof on chine of one of the most beautiful illustrated books of the Art Nouveau period, featuring 132 lithographs by Alphonse MUCHA as well as 10 initials and various ornaments. These proofs, for which no equivalent has been found, include the text and lettering printed in bistre, as well as the illustrations in black. The reproduction of Mucha's lithographs is remarkable. The cover leaves are those usually found at the head of copies, featuring an embossed composition representing the title in a floral design signed CA. Here, they are on Japanese paper. The front cover also includes a blank leaf and the false title on wove paper, watermarked with the book's title. A very well preserved copy.