About the cover:
Full French binding Black, with dark red goatskin on the right side of the front cover, featuring calfskin leather inlays in seven different colours in the shape of a church tower and a tree, title on the spine in gold; gilt top edge, red, hand-carved headband. Mirror made of blue coloured paper, black leather fold, fly leaf made of rust-red coloured paper. Without slipcase.
About the content:
Paris: peintres et écrivains with a foreword by Gérard Bauër, Éditions H.-L. Mermod, Lausanne, 1952
A tribute to the artistic and literary scene in Paris. The relationships between painters and writers who lived and worked in the city are explored, and their influence on culture and creative work is highlighted. Mermod offers insights into the lives of important artists and authors who made Paris a centre of art and literature. Through vivid descriptions and anecdotes, he conveys the atmosphere and spirit of the city, which served as a source of inspiration for many generations of creative people.
About the artist: Jean Knoll was originally an artist who was both painting and drawing. He took up bookbinding in the late 1950s. After attending the École Estienne, he had a post there as a professor from 1956 onwards. From the very beginning, he set high standards for the quality of the designs. Initially, his designs were still classical, until his unique artistic approach emerged, which influenced the development of fine binding. His approach is whimsical and ironic. Although each of his bindings is sketched out, its design is by no means fixed. Knoll only partially adheres to his original sketch as he respects the individual character of the materials he uses and leaves it plenty of scope. He does not reject chance in favour of the desired outcome, but uses it to achieve an effect that is to be redefined through the incorporation of a wide variety of materials. This approach offers unlimited possibilities. Great attention is paid to the book itself and the text. Each binding is a manifestation of reflection and elegance; art has priority.
