The Wheelbarrow

UNIQUE COPY entirely handwritten and illuminated by J. Van Driesten (1878-1969), a heraldic painter, of this youth tale in verse by Edmond Rostand, notably recounting the return to Earth of Jesus and Saint Peter.

It consists of 20 in-folio leaves. The first is adorned with a painting showing a landscape at sunset partly hidden by a parchment accompanied by a seal with the coat of arms of Paris; on the parchment is written: "This book was composed and executed for Mr. Charles Gadala by J. van Driesten". Following are the title with a large painted initial, a bust portrait of the author in an autumnal landscape, a half-title entitled "Pièce à dire" with a floral frame, 10 leaves of text with superb floral borders in the manner of ancient manuscripts, the last one additionally illustrated with a wheelbarrow and a radiating sun in the background, five original full-page compositions illustrating the text, with floral frames, and on the very last leaf a radiating crown of thorns with three nails in the center. Van Driesten's compositions are of remarkable quality, and the full-page illuminations each form a veritable small painting, making this book a true masterpiece. This manuscript was presented to Edmond Rostand, who added this note at the bottom of the first leaf: "All my thanks to Mr. Charles Gadala for having this little tale in verse illuminated with such art. Paris, June 4, 1903. Edmond Rostand." Very beautiful copy in Mercier's doubled binding. The decoration of the doublure repeats the illustration of one of the illuminated frames.