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ALBERT SAMAIN — XANTHIS OU LA VITRINE SENTIMENTALEParis: A. Ferroud / F. Ferroud, Successeur, 1920Copy No. 806 on Beau Vélin d’ArchesPochoir Illustrations by Gustave-Adolphe MossaSigned René Kieffer Half Morocco Leather BindingOriginal Illustrated Wrappers Preserved
SAMAIN, Albert. Xanthis ou la Vitrine sentimentale. Illustrated in color by Gustave-Adolphe Mossa. Paris: A. Ferroud / F. Ferroud, Successeur, 1920.
A beautiful French Symbolist livre de luxe, illustrated throughout in vivid pochoir color by Gustave-Adolphe Mossa and handsomely bound by the celebrated Parisian atelier of René Kieffer.
This is copy No. 806, one of 775 numbered copies printed on beau vélin d’Arches, from a total edition of 1,025. The original Mossa-illustrated wrappers are retained within the binding.
Gustave-Adolphe Mossa’s Illustration
Mossa’s fantastical, highly decorative imagery is among the principal attractions of this edition. The book contains 46 color illustrations and ornamental elements, comprising:
- Two wrapper illustrations
- Illustrated half-title frame
- Title vignette
- Five full-page compositions
- Four in-text illustrations
- Twenty-nine decorated initials
- Four tailpieces
The designs were colored by stencil, or pochoir, producing jewel-like surfaces and unusually rich color throughout the book. Mossa’s blend of Symbolism, theatrical costume, floral ornament, grotesquerie, and medieval or Rococo fantasy is exceptionally well suited to Samain’s dreamlike tale.
Signed René Kieffer Binding
Bound in half green morocco leather over marbled paper boards, with matching marbled endpapers. The binding bears the René Kieffer, Reliures d’Art, 18 Rue Séguier, Paris label.
Features include:
- Signed René Kieffer art binding
- Half green morocco leather
- Raised bands
- Gilt spine lettering
- Elongated black tooled floral decoration
- Red-and-gilt circular ornamental accents
- Marbled boards and endpapers
- Silk ribbon marker
- Original illustrated wrappers bound in
The spine decoration is particularly elegant: a dark vertical floral design accented with small red-and-gilt rosettes, creating a striking Art Deco–era presentation.
Albert Samain and Xanthis
Albert Samain (1858–1900) was an important French Symbolist poet, known for work of refined melancholy, sensuality, and dreamlike atmosphere. Xanthis ou la Vitrine sentimentale is a brief fantasy involving a Tanagra figurine and a poetic world of objects, memory, desire, and imagination.
This edition is especially desirable for the marriage of Samain’s Symbolist prose, Mossa’s decorative color work, Ferroud’s luxury publishing, and Kieffer’s Parisian fine binding.
Provenance
From the library of Arthur Teller, M.D.
Several preliminary blanks and the preserved upper wrapper bear his ownership stamp: “Ex Libris Arthur Teller, M.D. — Post Tenebras Lux.” These marks are fully visible and disclosed in the photographs.
Condition
Very good overall.
The Kieffer binding is sound and attractive. The green morocco spine has mellowed through light exposure to a warm brown tone, while more original green remains visible along the sides and corners. Minor rubbing to bands, joints, corners, and extremities; gilt lettering and decorative tooling remain clear.
Interior clean and bright overall, with vivid pochoir coloring. A few minor spots and age marks, but no major staining or damage noted. The limitation page and both original illustrated wrappers are present.
Please examine all photographs carefully, as they form part of the description.
A particularly handsome French illustrated book, combining Albert Samain, Gustave-Adolphe Mossa, René Kieffer, pochoir color, Symbolism, and French fine binding in one highly collectible volume.
