Paris, Librairie Grecque, 1820. 16mo, xxiv - 547 pp. - 1 blank leaf. Varnished binding; front cover decorated with a Gothic motif framed by a black line; back cover featuring a depiction of the crosses of Golgotha within a border of black foliage; smooth spine in olive-green Russian leather; gilt edges (minor scratches to the varnish). A rare example of "Bertin varnish" or "Martin varnish" binding—also known as "odorless varnish binding." Although the term "Martin varnish" is technically a misnomer—since it was Sieur Bertin who developed the cold-varnish technique applied to individually crafted, hand-painted covers—it is frequently referred to by that name due to its association with the earlier Martin varnish (dating back a century and used in cabinetmaking to imitate Chinese lacquer). Bertin adapted the process for bookbinding and even filed a patent for it in 1811. Likely due to technical constraints, books bound in this manner were limited in size, and total production remained very small-scale. It ceased shortly after Bertin’s death in 1819. Consequently, this volume can be considered one of the final works to emerge from Bertin's workshops, likely commissioned during the binder's lifetime. For further reading on Bertin varnishes, one might consult the articles by Albert Ehrman, "Les Reliures vernis sans odeur" (*The Book Collector*, 1965, XIV, pp. 523–527), and Jean-Marc Chatelain (ed.), *Éloge de la rareté, Cent trésors de la Réserve des livres rares* (Paris, BnF, 2014, no. 3).
1500,- EUR
inkl. 19% USt./incl. 19% VAT
Sachgebiete: Einbände, Religion
Kontakt zum
30, rue Monsieur Le Prince • F-75006 Paris
Telefon +33 6 85 52 83 29
Mail: michel.saporta@yahoo.fr • Web:
Mobil: +33 6 85 52 83 29