A beautiful 19th century French cartonnage book, La Fontaine des Familles, Fables Choisies, which translates to The Fountain of Fables: Selected Fables, by René d’Isle. Published in Limoges by Martial Ardant Frères in 1862.
A collection of selected fables associated with the celebrated French fabulist Jean de La Fontaine, with engraved illustrations including a wonderful portrait of La Fontaine. The binding is especially charming with its white and gilt geometric cartonnage cover and an oval hand colored illustration of a rider on horseback.
Good antique condition overall. The covers retain their beautiful gilt decoration and the central colored illustration remains vibrant. There is visible wear and discoloration to the spine, particularly at the ends, along with light rubbing to the corners and edges. Interior pages show scattered foxing and toning consistent with age.
