The Artist's Wife's Copy
Trente poèmes de la bohème et mon coeur
Notes: This collection of bohemian poems by the French Fantaisiste poet Francis Carco was first published in 1912. It proved to be a popular text for livres d'artiste, and illustrated versions appeared in 1927, 1943, 1950 (this), and 1974. This version, illustrated by Dignimont, may have been the most successful paring of artist and poet.
This example of the Carco-Dignimont edition is the copy reserved for the artist's wife, with "Exemplaire réservé à Madame Dignimont" printed on the colophon. This copy matches the contents of the 12 copies on vélin de Rives, with the finished book accompanied by three extra suites of plates: one in color without the text ("une suite en couleurs"), a suite of single color lithographs ("une suite dans le ton du dessin"), and one of rejected designs ("une suite de lithographies refusées"). The book and extra suites of plates are unbound, being loose sheets laid into the printed covers, with a vellum-backed chemise. The two chemises fit into a two-compartment box.
The colophon is signed by Carco and Dignimont.
Edition + Condition: A fine copy, complete with all plates. Signed by Carco and Dignimont and additionally inscribed by Carco to Mme. Digninmont with a small self-portrait drawing.
Publication: Paris: André Sauret, 1950.
Item No: #9120
Price: $1,250