[Jugendstil Classic] Bilderbucher Band Tiere

Koln: H. & F. Schaffstein, 1906. Second edition. Second edition. Oblong quarto. Original color pictorial paper covered boards, beautifully patterned endsheets in color. The classic Jugendstil book, marvelously illustrated by the great Freyhold, with twelve full-page color pictures. "Freyhold's picture books are marvels in the early development of the picture book of the 20th century" (Klaus Doderer). -The pictures, "freyholding in their unspeakably immovable untouchedness and childhood" (ER White 1902 to Richard Dehmel) show us the animals of the rural environment (cows, sheep, pigs, pigeons); only the last illustration with parrots puts the viewer into an exotic mood. The watercolor paints were applied using stencils. "These books found no mercy before the great crowd. But the children were extremely fond of these books, unfortunately they were not made accessible to them by their parents "(Julius Schaffstein, quoted from cat. Cologne). In 1905 the publishing house opened the series with this title, but great expectations remained unfulfilled: "The books were not a commercial success, despite their extraordinary artistic design" (Roland Stark, Schaffstein Verlag, page 66). A very nice copy, corners slightly worn, near fine, one plate repaired at very end.