About the cover:

Full-grain binding Red morocco leather with rich decoration on the covers and spine with several gold line frames with corner fleurons and floral branches with leather overlays in 5 colours. Uncut book block, gilt top edge, hand-cut headband. Mirror with three-sided decorative border embossed in gold and continuous endpaper made of marbled paper. Double gold line on standing edges and cap. Simple slipcase with leather-bound opening and covered with marbled paper.

About the content:

Pierre Louÿs: Sanguines

with 22 hand-coloured watercolours, no. 45 of 50 copies on Hollande paper, Bibliothèque Charpentier, Paris, 1903

This is a collection of erotic poems and prose dealing with themes such as love, desire and the sensuality of the body. Louÿs uses poetic and often sensual language to portray the complex emotions and experiences of love. The texts are characterised by a mixture of aesthetics and eroticism, with the author addressing the beauty and transience of life.

About the artist: Lucien Durvand acquired renown by his exceptional craftsmanship, creating works of elegance and technical sophistication. He began his career when interest in artistically designed book covers was growing rapidly in France. Durvand opened a workshop in Paris, specializing in luxury bindings. His works were often richly decorated, which was particularly in demand at the time, and characterized by a classical style often influenced by historical and traditional French bookbinding techniques.

Durvand’s dedication and attention to detail earned him great respect and recognition in the art world and contributed to the renaissance of the art of bookbinding in France.

Lucien Durvand’s influence on bookbinding remained even after his death in 1924, and his works continue to be highly valued by collectors.