La Sainte Messe, Suivie De Prières Pour La Confession Et La Communion, Et De Prières Diverses -

(N.p., 1910. 16mo. (ii), 60, (4)pp. A lush hand-embellished prayer book, with an array of finely executed original illustrations, including three full-page compositions and around fifty smaller miniatures representing architectural, pastoral, theological, and ecological subjects. Each spread receives a unique border, illuminated and using a vast variety of colors, all of which show impressive brightness of hue and exactness of application. Animals, fantastic beasts, insects, and birds play among gardens of vines and flowers. Interspersed are images of angels and saints, coats of arms and other heraldic images, both indicative of the owner and of the contemporary pope, Pius X. The text itself is printed in black Gothic, set against rules, and rampant with illuminated initials. The opening dedication page states that the volume was commissioned in 1910 by Eugenie Patricia Prou-Gaillard for her husband, Marius Deluy. Bound in full brown morocco with double gilt rule, within which is a blindstamped border of the four symbols of the Gospel writers, oak leaves, thistles, and dragons. Another double rule further inside, and within that a metal "ED" monogram. Spine ruled and titled in gilt and decorated in blind. Beige silk doublures and guards, along with further gilt detailing on the turn-ins. Silk ribbon bookmark. Held in a hinged silk-lined leather box specially made in Paris by E & A Lesort, whose ticket is on the front free endpaper of the book. Lesort is likely behind this remarkable production, which would have represented a considerable token of affection. Very fine. A.e.g., with a hidden marbled edge design.