"Heures choisies des Dames Chrétiennes" [E. Pellion, 1859] Book of Hours

Heures choisies des Dames Chrétiennes. Approuvées par M.S. l’Évêque de Dijon. Tiré des manuscrits du XIIᵉ au XVIIᵉ siècle provenant du cabinet de M. H. Baudot, à Dijon.

Dijon: E. Pellion, 1859. First edition. French language. 6.25" × 4.5", 208pp., lithographed throughout by A. Leroy. Full brown morocco with triple gilt frames on the covers (outer fillet, paired inner fillets with corner tools, and an interior gilt roll also used on the endpapers); spine with five raised bands, gilt fillets, gilt tools in compartments, and gilt title; gilt board edges and turn-ins; all edges gilt. Brown moiré-patterned endpapers with central medallions, fleurs-de-lys corner tools, and gilt roll border. Two metal clasps with matching morocco straps, of a type associated with Lesort’s workshop though this binding is unsigned. “Collection Yves Gastou” penciled on rear free endpaper; purchased from his collection in April 2024. Foxing of tissue at title. Near Fine.

Chromolithographed Book of Hours based on manuscripts from the 12th to 17th centuries in the collection of H. Baudot of Dijon. Includes an architectural chromolithographed title page and a full-color imprint leaf depicting the Evangelists, signed “DIJON. LITH. A. LEROY.” Printed on heavy paper with borders modeled on illuminated manuscripts, incorporating vegetal ornament, architectural frames, figures, and bestiary motifs. Issued with episcopal approval. Includes several inserted devotional images, two printed on celluloid with hand-applied illumination. Housed in a protective case (as issued).