Colette / Laboureur (jean-emile, Ill.) - l'Envers Du Music-hall. 1/350.

COLETTE - PLABOROR (Jean-Emile, ill. of). The Other Side of the Music Hall. Paris, at Unparalleled / ''La Grande collection'', 1926. One vol. in pt in-4 format (252 x 192 mm) of 170 pp., paperback, under titled cover with filled flaps and laced cardboard folder. Unique edition of only 420 copies of this ''beautiful, highly rated edition''. (in Carteret). This one is among the 350 in the numbered draw on Rives; complete with his superb cardboard folder. First print of the delicious compositions engraved in intaglio by Jean-Emile Laboureur. ''After studying with Auguste Lepère and Toulouse-Lautrec, Laboureur started in 1896 at L'Image. [...]''. ''We have to go back to Callot to find such frank and clear writing, but Laboureur knew how to add to the graphic Jansenism of his illustrious predecessor a nuanced finesse and a touch of witty irony''. (Dunoyer de Ségonzac, cited in Osterwalder). ''It is in 1912 that the reputation of this artist whose place remains considerable in the great movement of modern art can be dated. An engraver in possession of the highest traditions, master of a difficult profession, he succeeded in creating a personal style by drawing from the construction systems established since Cézanne the elements of a synthetic composition. He possessed the gift of grace. There is also in his art a very particular concern for elegance, a reflection of his very person who was that of a dandy. The high virtue of Laboureur lies in the finesse of his line. He was much sought after by writers and their publishers.'' (in Bénézit). Colette, who was a music hall artist, wrote admirable pages on the “reality” of the profession, “the other side of what others see right side up”. (Daniel Lebrun). Laborer / Complete catalog of his work, 312 - Fouché, Au sans peer, n°52 - Carteret IV, Le Trésor du bibliophile / Modern illustrated, p. 109 - Mahé, Directory of luxury editions, p. 133 - Osterwalder II, Dictionary of Illustrators, p. 644 - Bénézit VI, Dictionary of painters, p. 354 - Bailly-Herzberg, Dictionary of prints in France, p. 41 - Monod I, Manual for lovers of modern illustrated books, 3001. Small defects (inconsequential) affecting the jaws of the folder; the last dish of which has a slightly altered sheen. Two small angular stains on the title page. Otherwise, very good condition.