L' écho des fantaisies
NP: ND [1946]. 2 vols.
Item #6347
Louise de Vilmorin (1902-1969) was a French novelist, poet and journalist, known for her mordant wit and various love affairs (including Antoine de Saint-Exupery, Orson Welles, Count Paul Esterhauzy, Duff Cooper and André Malraux). Her works, particularly her most famous novel, Madame de, have been described as possessing a sense of libertinage and impertinence and are often set in aristocratic milieus. She was feared by many and her reputation as "femme de lettres and saloniste, legendary clotheshorse and tastemaker, brilliant hostess and home-wrecking man slayer" remains in tact today. Her most impressive production is this lavishly produced assemblage of 60 original photographs by the decorator and antique dealer Victor Grandpierre, mounted on cardboard with rounded corners and gilded, each of which is accompanied by a short poem by Vilmorin. The photographs are a rather surrealistic assemblage of ordinary household objects, as well as assorted antiques arranged to evoke the spirit of her poetry. Issued in an edition of 225 copies, the book was primarily created as a gift for her friends. Two large clamshell boxes with marbled boards, paper labels. Very good, light edgewear, Quite uncommon.
Price: $1,500.00