293 - VAN DONGEN, Kees, and MONTHERLANT, Henry de. *Les Lépreuses*, with lithographs by Van Dongen.

VAN DONGEN, Kees, and MONTHERLANT, Henry de. *Les Lépreuses*, with lithographs by Van Dongen. First illustrated edition, featuring 25 color lithographs by Van Dongen. A fine copy on Rives vellum. Paris, NRF, 1946. Quarto (340 x 265 mm), loose-leaf, hardcover with a black-printed and color-illustrated cover, in the publisher’s slipcase and case. 260 pages, 25 color lithographs. Two small tears on the spine of the cover, slight foxing on the edges, spine of the slipcase worn, slight soiling on the slipcase. First illustrated edition featuring 25 original color lithographs by the painter and engraver Kees Van Dongen (1877–1968), printed on the presses of Mourlot and Louis Détruit. Originally published in 1939, *Les Lépreuses* concludes Henry de Montherlant’s famous and scandalous *Jeunes Filles* series of novels. This cynical tale of the rejection of marriage, with its at times cruel and disenchanted sensuality, provides an ideal canvas for Van Dongen (1877–1968), who “concocts” a panorama of high-society scenes, animals, Moroccan characters, and figures captured with humor and mischief. Limited edition of 390 copies; this is one of 354 numbered copies on Rives B.F.K. vellum (No. 305), the only large-format paper edition following 36 copies on Montval vellum. Copy in good condition.