Saturday, June 17, 2006

Vielles Chansons























There is no way on earth I would let a child near this beautiful 56 page book: 'Vieilles Chansons et Ronds pour les Petits Enfants' (the book title and the title page are a little different) - a children's songbook by Charles-Marie Widor with just gorgeous illustrations by Maurice Boutet de Monvel.

It is dated sometime between 1910-1920 and is online with high resolution images at the Library of Congress. The printing quality is particularly excellent.

There are 2 other books online illustrated by de Monvel -- 'La Civilité (Puérile et Honnête)' and 'Joan of Arc' -- at childrensbooksonline.

7 comments :

Bibi said...

Les illustrations sont très jolies. Great find Paul!

Audrey said...

I have a similar book with illustrations by the same artist called "Chansons de France pour les petits français" It is a lovely book, given to me when I was child by a dear family friend. So nice to see something similar in your blog!

peacay said...

Thanks Bibi.

I came across that book on ebay pod lady. The image quality doesn't compare to Library of Congress of course but it's a very similar style. I think I saw reference to about 5 other books by de Monvel - fables and the like.

I was actually blown away by the print quality of 'Vieilles Chansons': I've never seen that sort of texture (helped of course by the high res.) Outstanding and unique in my ignorant opinion.

M said...

They're so beautiful! I've also seen a few of these illustrations in Corbis (but not looking as good.) Try doing a search in that site with the name Sarah Stilwell Weber, they have 3 charming illustrations there I've never seen anywhere else.

pita ou franck said...

Some good size pictures of Boutet de Monvel at the incredible fulltable:
http://www.fulltable.com/VTS/aoi/b/boutet/menu.htm

peacay said...

Thanks Pita! I should have known Fulltable would have his work.

Direct links:

-'Nos Enfants'

-'Jeanne D'Arc'

-'Fontaine's Fables'

-'Chansons de France'

Audrey said...

Fulltable.com has my version of the book. Glad to see one of my treasures featured on the web.

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