(1860) Christian "Book of Hours" with 180 Chromolithographs
We are offering here an exquisite teal Morocco leather copy of a richly illustrated and illuminated French Christian "Illustrated Hours" from circa 1860, completed by M.M. Gsell and G. Régamey. This magnificant entirely chromolithographed work containing Morning Prayers, Evening Prayers, Prayers before the Holy Mass, Prayers during the Mass, Prayers for Confession, Prayers for Communion, Vespers and Compline and Wedding Mass.
Bound in a Teal Morocco leather binding with stylized Silver Monogram Initials "BE" to the front board. Richly decorated front and rear paste-down with gilt fleurons and teal Moirée silk. Free endpapers also accompanied by teal Moirée silk.
Richly illustrated with Chromolithograph Title Page, 8 full-page Chromolithograph Engravings, 8 full-page Chromolithograph Chapter Titles iand 4 additional chromolithograph pages of "Family Memories". All 180 text pages richly illustrated and illuminated by a different chromolithograph frames in Color & Gilt. Superb illuminations in chromolithographies taken from Medieval Manuscripts and Books of Hours. Letters, decorations and miniatures taken from ancient manuscripts; The text is framed with many different decorations: foliage, flowers, dragons, birds, figures, etc. All pages are printed in chromolithography on strong high quality cardboard.
"Heures Illustrees par Ch. Mathieu"; Paris, Laplace, Sanchez & Cie, no date (circa 1860); Size of the book: 16,2 x 13 cm (6.4" x 5.1"); Teal Morocco leather binding with silver monogram initials "BE" to the front board. Boards with double embosed frames. Embossed title to the spine. Spine with five rised bands. All page edges gilt; Text in French; Collation complete - Chromolithograph vignette-title, [1], Chromolithograph title page, [3], Engraved chromolithograph title, [3], 180 chromolithograph pages, including 8 chromolithograph plates and 8 chromolithograph chapter titles; Full leather binding is strong, tight and firm, overall in pristine condition, with negligible rubbing and discoloration. Pages/Text block in immaculate condition, clean and bright, no any marks or foxing throughout, only a few pages with a few small and almost invisible dark dots to the white margins. Overall the condition of the book is NEAR FINE.