LEPAPE, Georges. MAETERLINCK, Maurice. SAUDÉ, Jean. ~ L'Oiseau Bleu, Féerie; Decors et Costumes pour L'Oiseau Bleu.
Two volumes. Vol I: 14 illustrations, including the vignette on the upper wrapper and the frontispiece, by Georges Lepape reproduced in pochoir by Jean Saudé, vignette woodcut on title page. One of 400 copies on vélin d’Arches, of a total edition of 435 plus 25 hors commerce copies. Printed in lilac, blue and black throughout. Pp. [vi], 213. Large 8vo., in the original printed wrappers with Lepape design on upper cover, a little shaken but generally a very good copy.
Vol II. 61 plates including 7 plates of theatre sets which are double page all from watercolour drawing by Georges Lepape, reproduced in pochoir by Jean Saudé, as is the title page vignette. Printed in blue and black throughout. One of 200 copies on vélin d’Arches, of a total edition of 425 plus 5 hors commerce copies. Large 8vo., in the original printed wrappers with vignette on upper cover also coloured in pochoir, with the original tissue guards throughout. A very good copy.
The first volume is the illustrated text of the play and the second volume, which has a 10 page preface by Gerard d’Houville (aka Marie de Heredia), present the sets and costumes designed by Lepape for the production given at the Mogador theatre for Cora Laparcerie.
Lepape (1887-1971) began his remarkable career as an illustrator working for Paul Poiret. He was to become one of the greatest fashion designers of his generation.