Extra-Illustrated Song of Songs

Le Cantique des Cantiques.
Paris: F.-L. Schmied, 1925.
(10695)

Decoration, composition, and layout by F.-L. Schmied – Engraving and printing assistance by Pierre Bouchet – Translation by Ernest Renan (1823–1892) – Binding by Georges Cretté

Artist and printer François-Louis Schmied (1873–1941) was especially known for his Art Deco creations. Schmied, recognized at a young age as an accomplished wood engraver, often expertly reproduced the works of others. He established an atelier in Paris where he engraved his own original art to illustrate books which he conceived and designed in their entirety, from page layout to typography and binding. Schmied and his pressman, Pierre Bouchet, produced fine editions with complex illustrations, printed in up to twenty-five colors on a Stanhope hand press from engraved wooden blocks. The production of Le Cantique des Cantiques required one thousand blocks. As in the case of many of Schmied’s books, the production took several years to complete. This is copy number 75 of an edition of one hundred ten and includes an original drawing, bound into the front, of a rainbow over grazing sheep.

This copy is signed by Schmied and includes a presentation inscription to the binder Georges Cretté (1893–1969), with whom Schmied frequently worked and who executed this binding.

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The Old Testament - The Song of Songs
Extra-Illustrated Song of Songs