135 - MIRBEAU (Octave). Sébastien Roch. Paris: Charpentier, 1890. In-12, full white vellum Bradel binding, untrimmed, cover restored (Pierson).

MIRBEAU (Octave). Sébastien Roch. Paris: Charpentier, 1890. In-12, full white vellum Bradel binding, untrimmed, cover restored (Pierson). FIRST EDITION. ONE OF 25 COPIES NUMBERED ON HOLLAND PAPER. A VERY RARE COPY BELONGING TO EDMOND DE GONCOURT, to whom the work is dedicated and who had the front cover of the binding adorned with three exquisite portraits of Mirbeau, drawn in pen by Rodin from life and signed. On the half-title page, a handwritten note in red ink reads: “First edition. Copy on Holland paper. Triple portrait of Mirbeau drawn in pen by Rodin in 1892. Edmond de Goncourt.” In a letter addressed to Rodin in July 1892 by Edmond de Goncourt (formerly part of President Ed. Herriot), the latter wrote to the artist: “My dear Rodin, Mirbeau has the book in which you have kindly agreed to draw a portrait of our friend at his home; he asked me for it, thinking that you would create this portrait at his country house. Now, it is not an etching that I have asked of you, but a drawing that you will create as you see fit—in pen, black pencil, or wash—on the inside cover of the book bound in white vellum. It might be original to sketch two quick sketches of his head, similar to your etching of Hugo. I am deeply touched that you have kept my indiscreet request in mind, and I would be overjoyed and proud to have your name among the illustrators of my small library. Best regards, Edmond de Goncourt.” These three vigorous portraits (two in profile and one facing forward) were indeed executed as Ed. de Goncourt wished, following the example of the Victor Hugo portraits (and that of Becque, Delteil, 6–8) in pen (black and bistre), wash, and black pencil. From the Goncourt libraries (ex-libris by Gavarni, auction of April 7, 1897, cat. no. 20). Maurice Fenaille, Count R. de Billy (cited in the catalog for the Goncourt exhibition at the Arts Décoratifs, 1946, no. 169).