329 - [WORLD WAR I]. A significant collection of 305 original engravings and proof prints by Henry de GROUX, Henri DESBARBIEUX, and Louis JOU, dedicated to World War I. Paris, , 1915–1918. An exceptional collection of three major engraved series from the Great War, including several numbered copies, numerous signed proofs, test prints on various papers, and individual engravings, likely originating from a former publisher’s or printer’s stock or a studio collection.

[WORLD WAR I]. A significant collection of 305 original engravings and proof prints by Henry de GROUX, Henri DESBARBIEUX, and Louis JOU, dedicated to World War I. Paris, , 1915–1918. An exceptional collection of three major engraved series from the Great War, including several numbered copies, numerous signed proofs, test prints on various papers, and individual engravings, likely originating from a former publisher’s or printer’s stock or a studio collection. * Henry de GROUX (1866–1930). The Face of Victory. 1914–1915–1916. [1918]. Set of 163 engravings, comprising three partial albums: Album II (9 etchings numbered 12/100 and signed), Album III (8 etchings numbered 12/100 and signed) and Album IV (10 etchings numbered 14/100 and signed), the latter showing significant water damage. Included are 136 loose engravings, comprising numerous copies of the same compositions, generally numbered out of 100 and signed in pencil: The Blind, Ambulance, Prisoners as Gravediggers, Lux perpetua luceat eis, The Court Singer, as well as various depictions of German soldiers and prisoners. Among these sheets are 20 proofs that are unnumbered and unsigned in pencil, bearing only a signature on the plate. Includes two copies of the explanatory text (12 pages each), covers, and a fragment of a cover. * Henri DESBARBIEUX. Verdun. [1916]. Set of 93 prints, including three presumed-complete copies of the series, numbered respectively 6/100, 35/100, and 42/100, respectively, each consisting of 14 engravings, including the cover, 13 of which are signed in pencil by the artist. Heavy foxing. Included are 41 proof prints on various papers, depicting, among others, *Les Cuistots*, Les Blessés (Gercourt, 1914), Poste d’écoute, L’Abri de bombardement (Haumont), Les Guetteurs, as well as several unidentified compositions; 9 additional engravings depicting, among other things, a funeral, La Cave du presbytère, and a massacre scene; and finally, a lithograph titled *La Croix de fer*, numbered 182/250. * Louis JOU (1872–1968). *Nos héros*. Twelve original etchings. Éditions La Guerre, 1915. Set of 49 original etchings, distributed among five copies numbered out of 100: - One copy, no. 6/100, on China paper, comprising the 12 compositions and the engraved cover, the plates with captions, and mat boards. Cover shows signs of wear. - Four partial sets on Arches vellum, numbered 51/100 (9 proofs), 83/100 (10 proofs), 30/100 (11 proofs), and 61/100 (6 proofs), most of which are mounted on labeled mounts with passe-partouts. Some foxing; covers show signs of wear. The compositions include, notably, the titles “Les Bons Diables,” “Ceux qui ont fait le miracle,” “Mais qu’est-ce qu’il a pris !,” "Triste retour," "Ils ont voulu se terrer," "Des braves," "Jusqu'au bout," "Et ils tiennent," "Le Beau Tableau," and "Et si c'était lui." These collections offer three complementary perspectives on the conflict: the tragic and hallucinatory visions of Henry de Groux, the scenes of combat and life in the trenches by Desbarbieux, and the depictions of soldiers that are both heroic and deeply human by Louis Jou. The set is sold “as is,” comprising proofs with foxing, water stains, and various imperfections. (Details available upon request.)