BRUNELLESCHI, Umberto. SAINT-PIERRE, Bernadin de. ~ Paul et Virginie.
One of only 3 copies on Japon imperial numbered 23 to 25, this no.24 (the total edition was 525). With an original watercolour signed by Brunelleschi. 12 full page illustrations, 3 headpieces and 3 initials by Brunelleschi vibrantly coloured in pochoir by Vairel. 4to., original printed wrappers, housed in the original chemise with blue lettering on spine and card slipcase. An extremely good, bright and unopened copy, the slipcase has a little wear.
A tale of two childhood friends set on the Ile de France (Mauritius) which was published in 1788 and supported the philosophy of Rousseau. Although Paul and Virginie do own slaves, the book does argue for the emancipation of slaves.
The watercolour is particularly striking being a strong full length portrait of a Mauritian slave.