4to (352 × 275 mm). (2) ff., 62 pp. Original illustrated wrappers; loose as issued.
First edition, of great rarity. One of Bonnard’s earliest albums, “very rare, much sought-after, and prized for its beautiful original lithographs” (Carteret). The volume contains twenty lithographs, including the illustrated front wrapper.
“Bonnard worked on the designs while he was visiting Terrasse and his sister in the little town of Arcachon. His sister’s family and the town became the models for many of the images. The lithographs, painted with brush and ink, were influenced by Japanese art.” (Toledo Museum of Art)
Bonnard had previously collaborated with his brother-in-law Terrasse on Le Petit solfège illustré (1890), a musical primer for children.
Marginal repairs to the wrappers; traces of tape on pp. 61–62. A rare and desirable copy of this early Bonnard work, seldom encountered complete and in acceptable condition.
References: Carteret IV, 77; Toledo Museum of Art, online catalogue (accession no. 43776).
