Émile Verhaeren & Théo van Rysselberghe Almanach - Cahier de vers, Bruxelles, Dietrich & Cie, Montagne de la Cour, 52, 1895.

Lot 236 - Émile Verhaeren & Théo van Rysselberghe Almanach - Cahier de vers, Brussels, Dietrich & Cie, Montagne de la Cour, 52, 1895 First edition - blue copy, entirely enhanced with watercolours An emblematic piece of Belgian Art Nouveau, this almanac for 1895 brings together twelve poems by Émile Verhaeren, each dedicated to a month of the year, accompanied by a sumptuous decorative illustration by Théo van Rysselberghe. This work embodies the spirit of synthesis between literature and the decorative arts that was characteristic of the Art Nouveau movement. Van Rysselberghe, like Georges Lemmen and Henry van de Velde, chose at this time to temporarily abandon easel painting to devote himself to a total aesthetic, applied to publishing, ornamentation and everyday objects. The illustrations include : - 6 figures, including 4 large full-page compositions representing the seasons, - 20 wood-engraved ornaments (headbands, lettering, endpapers) printed in black, - Titles, frames and ornate letters printed in orange, in a refined layout. The back cover features a double decorative frame. An edition of 1,050 copies was printed, including 250 blue version copies - of which this is one - bound in full blue leather with green edging. This copy is entirely enhanced with watercolours, in bright, intelligently chosen shades that accentuate the elegance of the original design. However, it is impossible to determine with certainty whether this colouring was carried out at the time of publication (1895) or at a later date. This is an exceptional copy, both for its rarity, the quality of its conservation and the richness of its decorative treatment, a precious testimony to the convergence between Symbolist poetry and Art Nouveau aesthetics at the end of the XIXᵉ century in Belgium. Réf. Goldfield :GFAD2470 Poids :400GR Mesures :H 210MM X L 200MM Condition : ETAT NORMAL