44 - BALZAC (Honoré de) and ROBAUDI (Alcide Théophile). *La Femme de trente ans*. Illustrated cover and 35 illustrations by A. Robaudi, engraved with a burin and etched by Henri Manesse.

BALZAC (Honoré de) and ROBAUDI (Alcide Théophile). *La Femme de trente ans*. Illustrated cover and 35 illustrations by A. Robaudi, engraved with a burin and etched by Henri Manesse. A very fine copy on Japanese paper, in an elegant Lemaître-lined binding, containing an additional set of Robaudi’s illustrations and enriched with two original letters (from Eugène Lemaître and Marie Brisson) and an original color drawing by Robaudi. Paris, L. Carteret & Co., 1902. In-4 (180x260 mm), light green morocco, covers adorned with a framing design consisting of a border and a floral motif in pine-green morocco, spine with 4 faux ribs decorated in the same manner, double blind-stamped fillet on the edges, olive-green morocco linings edged with two narrow green morocco fillets and framed by a wider fillet, signature “Eug. Aumaître" in the leather, brocaded silk endpapers with multicolored floral decoration, double endpapers, gilt head on endpapers, covers (the front cover illustrated) and spine preserved, edged slipcase, green half-cloth slipcase (Eugène Aumaître). 286 pages and 2 unnumbered folios (subscription form), 36 compositions by Robaudi engraved with a burin and etched by Henri Manesse, placed on the cover, in the header, within the text, and as tailpieces. Minor scuffing on the edges and spine, slight foxing on the gutter edge. A charming edition illustrated with 36 delicate compositions by the painter and illustrator Alcide Théophile Robaudi (1847–1928), including one on the cover and 35 in the text, engraved with a burin and etched by Henri Manesse. Limited edition of 300 copies; this is one of 150 “grand choix” copies on Japanese paper or Vélin du Marin, specifically No. 100 on Japanese paper, containing a proof of the plates on Japanese paper. A precious copy enriched with: - a handwritten autograph note (1 page, in-8) signed by the bookbinder Eugène Lemaître and dated April 28, 1914, stating that “the bordered monochrome faux mosaic decoration, executed on the volume *La Femme de Trente Ans* belonging to Commander Herrery, is entirely made with a point tool by pressure, without the aid of any engraved tools. A technique created by the artist, who executed it himself.” - a handwritten letter from the bookbinder Marie Brisson (1 page, in-8) mentioning a small original drawing by Robaudi “for *La Femme de dix ans*.” - The original drawing in question, enhanced with watercolors, depicting a young girl playing the piano. - The subscription form, illustrated with two etchings (2 folios bound in-fine).