Galerie Théâtrale

Paris: Chez Hy. Gaugain et Cie...et chez E. Ardit, 1828. Monnier's "Theatrical Gallery"

[MONNIER, Henry, illustrator]. Galerie Théâtrale. Paris: Chez Hy. Gaugain et Cie....et chez E. Ardit, [n.d., 1828].

Oblong folio. (9 3/4 x 13 1/4 inches; 471 x 336 mm.). Twenty-four numbered hand-colored plates lithographed by E. Ardit and H. Gaugain. Original brown paper pictorial front wrapper bound in. Plates Plates 13 through 24 with triangular embossed stamp of E. Ardit in the lower margin. Plate 11 inlaid to size, still with wide margins. Some scattered light foxing and browning, still an excellent copy of this very rare suite.

Early twentieth century green cloth over boards with maroon morocco lettering labels on front cover and spine.

From the celebrated collection of R. Descamps Scrive with his maroon morocco leather bookplate on front blank.

OCLC locates just four copies in libraries and institutions worldwide: The Morgan Library & Museum (NY, USA); University of Chicago (IL, USA), University of Nortgh Carolina, Chapel Hill (NC, USA) and Toronto Public Library (ON, CA).

"As a boy Monnier had been fond of fairs and popular entertainments, and in maturity he was fascinated by everything having to do with the stage. In this engaging album he offers an informal view of the theatrical life of his time, ranging from strolling acrobats and sideshows to the ballet and classical tragedy. Only an occasional performance is depicted; for the most part he is content to show actors at the side-scenes and backstage, together with a variety of other people associated with the theatre. Monnier's command of this little world is authoritative, and he presents it with vivacity" (Ray, The Art of the French Illustrated Book).

"The theme of the street entertainer was popular with lithographers, although with the notable exception of Daumier, their miserable state was not often depicted...Monnier, a playwright and actor as well as a draftsman, included this low theatrical form in his Galerie théâtrale, which is otherwise devoted to scenes of actors, rehearsals, and back-stage life of the indoor legitimate theatre" (Beatrice Farwell, The Charged Image, p. 112, describing Pl. 1. "Sauteurs").

The Plates:
1. "Sauteurs"
2. "Phénoménel"
3. "Une Débutante"
4. "Une Queue"
5. "Un Foyer"
6. "Le derrière de la toile"
7. "Une loge"
8. "Un Comité de Lecture"
9. "Un Paradis"
10. "Une indisposition"
11. "Une représentation"
12. "Mamans de comédie"
13. "Chef d'emploi"
14. "Cabaleurs"
15. "Une Répétition"
16. "Le Corps des ballets"
17. "Troupe ambulante"
18. "Tragédiens"
19. "un ancien camarade"
20. "Un Parterre"
21. "Comedie Bourgeoise. (le mariage de figaro)"
22. "Le Bienfaiteurs"
23. "Une grande Coquette"
24. "Leçon de déclamation"

Ray, The Art of the French Illustrated Book, 135. Marie 275-295.