VILLON (Jacques) & VALERY (Paul). Lot n� 210

Virgil's Bucolics. Original color lithographs by Jacques Villon. Paris, Scripta et Picta, 1953.
In-folio, havana morocco decorated with a large geometric mosaic on both covers, an assembly of pink, lemon, blue, pink, gray and havana morocco triangles in pastel tones (reminiscent of Jacques Villon's lithographs) with horizontal gilded fillets, some of which extend over the spine, Flesh-colored suede lining, gilt edges on witnesses, cover and spine preserved in one piece, havana half-maroquin folder with band and simulated light wood veneer boards, edged slipcase (Gras).
45 lithographs in pastel colors, including one in black, including the title vignette, drawn directly on stone by Jacques Villon, color after color, which required three hundred and twenty stones in all, printed by Mourlot Freres.
First edition of this work, which took Paul Valery almost three years to complete, and first edition beautifully illustrated by Jacques Villon.
Edition of 245 copies on Arches vellum (plus 24 on Japon).
The spine of the dust jacket is very slightly lightened, some serpents have left a small mark and the color of the lithographs has transferred when not protected by serpents. Apart from these minor defects, a very fine copy in a spectacular binding by Madeleine Gras.