Chansons par de La Borde
Artist: Various artists
Publisher: Chez de Lormel, Paris, 1773
Author: Jean Benjamin de La Borde (French, 1734-1794)
Date: 1773
Dimensions:
slipcase: 11 1/2 x 8 1/8 x 4 1/8 in. (292 x 206 x 105mm)
portfolio: 10 7/8 x 7 3/4 x 1 3/4 in. (276 x 197 x 44mm)
book: 10 3/4 x 7 1/4 in. (273 x 184mm)
page: 10 1/2 x 6 5/8 in. (266 x 168mm)
Medium: Original prints: 101 engravings
Text: engraved text and engraved music
Paper: cream laid paper
Classification: Books
Credit Line: Purchased with funds from the Libbey Endowment, Gift of Edward Drummond Libbey
Object number: 1984.25A-B
Label Text:Jean-Benjamin de la Borde was a prominate figure at court, being the first valet de chambre to Louis XV and Governor of the Louvre. His wit and various accomplishments so pleased the king that royal generosity permitted him to gratify a variety of whims, including the publication of this book. This song book, filled with what is now recognized as musically feeble compositions, was presented with the utmost sumptuousness, showing the extremes of vanity publication. It is dedicated to the Daupine. Each song (and its title) is engraved within simple black borders, and each is preceded by a full-page illustration. The artistic mastery of this book is due to Moreau le Jeune, who designed and engraved the 25 plates in the first volume. Infusing verve into the somewhat vapid songs, Moreau le Jeune's illustratiions are full of movement, grace, startling effects of light and shade, and witty observations of the small details of life. After a disagreement with La Borde, Moreau le Jeune withdrew from the project, and the subseguent volumes were illustrated with less magic by Le Barbier, Le Bouteux and Saint-Quentin.
Not on view
In Collection(s)