La Brouette

Unique copy entirely handwritten and illuminated by J. Van Driesten (1878-1969), heraldist painter, of this youthful tale in verse by Edmond Rostand, telling in particular the return to earth of Jesus and Saint Peter.

It consists of 20 folio sheets. The first is decorated with a painting showing a landscape at sunset hidden in part by a parchment accompanied by a seal with the arms of Paris; on the parchment is written: "This book was composed and executed for Mr Charles Gadala by J. van Driesten". The title follows with a large painted letter, a bust portrait of the author in an autumnal landscape, a fake title entitled "Pièce à dire" with floral frame, 10 sheets of text with superb floral frames in the style of ancient manuscripts, the last one illustrated in addition to a wheelbarrow with a radiant sun in the spineground, five original full-page compositions illustrating the text, with floral frame, and at the very last page a crown of radiant spines with three nails in the centre. Van Driesten's compositions are of remarkable quality and the full-page illuminations each form a real small picture, making this book a real masterpiece. This manuscript was presented to Edmond Rostand who added this note at the bottom of the first leaflet: "Many thanks to Mr. Charles Gadala for having this little tale in verse so artistically illuminated. Paris, 4 June 1903. Edmond Rostand". Very nice copy in binding lined with Mercier. The decoration of the lining is based on the illustration of one of the illuminated frames.