Guy Arnoux - EO; A la Gloire des Soldats Suisses (Hommage...

Original edition of 1917. One of the 325 numbered copies printed on Arches wove paper. This is copy number 193. This prestige album (complete) celebrates the heroism and valor of Swiss soldiers through the centuries, from 1315 to 1915. Guy Arnoux pays homage to Swiss neutrality and to the historical ties between France and Switzerland during World War I. Illustrated plates (10 sheets): Guy Arnoux's watercolors, colorized by stencil by Charpentier, depict the great Swiss battles and historical moments: Morgarten (1315) - Victory of the Swiss Confederates against Austrian Habsburgs Sempach (1386) - Decisive battle against Leopold III of Austria Morat (1476) - Victory against Charles the Bold Marignano (1515) - Defeat against Francis I Eternal alliance with France (1516) - Treaty of Fribourg Turenne at Nördlingen (1645) - Swiss regiment in the service of France Neerwinden (1693) - The first bayonet charge of the French Army Oath of fidelity to King Louis XVI - Swiss Guard in service of the King of France Zurich (1799) - Italian campaign Neuville-Saint-Vaast (1915) - World War I Each plate is captioned and presents a dramatic composition in colors remarkably vibrant still today, typical of Arnoux's style. - Historical context: Published in 1917, in the midst of World War I, this album fits into a French cultural propaganda movement aimed at celebrating alliances and shared values. Switzerland, though neutral, had deep historical ties with France (Swiss mercenaries, Swiss Guard of the King of France). - A military bibliophilic work among the most sought-after by Guy Arnoux. This original 1917 edition represents the apex of the art of French pochoir applied to military iconography. - Historical document bearing witness to Franco-Swiss relations and the French perception of Swiss military heroism during the Great War. - Exceptional artistic quality: Charpentier stencils after Arnoux are of remarkable finesse and chromatic richness, typical of luxury editions of the period. - Rarity: Print run strictly limited to 350 numbered copies, of which only 325 on Arches wove paper (numbers 26 to 350). - Patrimonial value: Century-old work (107 years) in excellent condition considering its fragility (lined card cover, bindings, movable sheets). Condition: The card cover has very minor corner traces and slight rubbing. Its linen spine shows no creases, the 3 pairs of ties are intact, with no loss. The loose sheets are more or less warped and insolated at their ends, with no tears. See the photos included in the description. Guy ARNOUX (Paris 7th arrondissement, August 26, 1886 – Ardon, Loiret, August 5, 1951) was a major French artist, illustrator and graphic designer of the first half of the 20th century. He is recognized as one of the greatest French illustrators of the interwar period. He illustrated nearly eighty books, including several large-format works of remarkable print quality. Guy Arnoux had a particular penchant for military and maritime depictions, which earned him the title of official painter of the Navy in 1921. A few years later, in 1930, he was chosen to decorate the battleship La Fayette. He also drew for a wide range of decorative arts: decorations for liners, advertisements, games, posters, menus, programs, costumes, fans, scarves and even shoes. Will be shipped in a carefully packaged, sturdy and trackable parcel.

Estimate:$476.24

View all items fromCatawikiorBooks, Maps & Manuscripts