104 - DECARIS, Albert, and RONSARD, Pierre de. Discourse on the Misfortunes of Our Time.

DECARIS, Albert, and RONSARD, Pierre de. Discourse on the Misfortunes of Our Time. An illustrated edition of this masterpiece of 16th-century socially conscious poetry, adorned with original engravings by Albert Decaris. A copy on Montval paper, enriched with six sheets of preparatory drawings, all signed. Paris, Le Fuseau chargé de laine, 1930. Large quarto (340 x 260 mm), loose-leaf, illustrated cover, cardboard slipcase (case missing). 193 pp., frontispiece, title vignette, 18 illustrations, headpieces, initials, and tailpieces; all engraved with a burin. Some slight transfer marks from the engravings in places; a few leaves slightly browned; cardboard slipcase slightly rubbed. An impressive edition illustrated by Albert Decaris (1901–1988) of this masterpiece of socially conscious poetry, with Baroque overtones, composed at the outset of the Wars of Religion. Winner of the first Grand Prix de Rome for intaglio engraving, Decaris displays a sculptural style in his burin engravings, characterized by tight, vigorous hatching and a precise sense of contrast. Limited edition of 359 copies; this one is one of the 300 numbered copies on Montval laid paper (No. 10). This copy is enriched with 6 sheets, including one duplicate, adorned with original graphite drawings. Each leaf is signed by Decaris, and one of them is embellished with an inscription. These drawings serve as preparatory studies for the illustrations, particularly for pages 8, 20, 50, 74, and 92. Included are: the publisher’s bulletin and the subscription form (in duplicate), and the invitation card to the exhibition of drawings organized by the publisher, featuring a dedication by Decaris. A fine copy.