La Fontaine, Jean de (1621-1695). Fables. Paris: Quantin, 1883.

Extra-illustrated, limited edition of La Fontaine’s Fables, with original watercolors by Auguste Delierre (1829-1891). This copy is no. 4 of 50 copies printed on Whatman paper and with the two suites, from an edition of just 100.

Two volumes, quarto (317 x 224mm.). Half titles, titles printed in red and black. Engraved portrait frontispiece in volume one and 74 etched plates after Auguste Delierre, all in two states, the extra suite is printed on chine and interleaved (a very few leaves with pale foxmarks). With 14 original watercolor drawings by Delierre, dated 1899, appearing on the half titles and section titles, sizes vary. Full maroon by Champs- Stroobants, gilt-paneled, dentelles gilt, spines gilt with grey and rose morocco onlays; all edges gilt, signed by Champs-Stroobants on upper doublure; modern clamshell boxes.

Anonymous sale; Sotheby's, New York, 2 June 1995, lot 224.
Acquired by Ann and Gordon Getty from the above.