{"product_id":"1850-french-gilt-cartonnage-book-mathilde-et-gabrielle-ou-les-bienfaits-d-une-education-chretienne","title":"1850 French Gilt Cartonnage Book, Mathilde et Gabrielle ou les Bienfaits d’une Éducation Chrétienne","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eA richly decorated mid-19th-century French volume, Mathilde et Gabrielle ou les Bienfaits d’une Éducation Chrétienne, third edition, published in Tours by Ad Mame et Cie in 1850.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe book retains its striking original deep burgundy cartonnage binding, extensively tooled and blocked in gold with dense scrolling foliate ornament, floral sprays, shell-like motifs and a large central oval reserve. The effect is highly decorative and very typical of the luxurious presentation and prize bindings produced by the Mame publishing house during the period.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eInternally, the volume includes engraved illustrations, including a dramatic scene from the narrative. The title translates approximately as “Mathilde and Gabrielle, or the Benefits of a Christian Education.”\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAn inserted publisher’s catalogue page for the Bibliothèque de la Jeunesse Chrétienne identifies the work within Mame’s broader juvenile and educational publishing program.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eEra\u003cbr\u003eFrench, 1850\u003cbr\u003eMid-19th century \/ Second Republic period\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eHistory\u003cbr\u003eThe Mame firm of Tours was one of the most important French publishers of the 19th century, especially known for religious, educational and juvenile works issued in highly decorative bindings. Books such as this were often intended as gifts, rewards, or school prize volumes and were designed to be visually impressive as well as instructive.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe work reflects the strong 19th-century French market for moral and religious literature aimed at young readers, particularly girls, with narratives structured around virtue, education and proper conduct.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eProvenance\u003cbr\u003eFrench origin.\u003cbr\u003eSourced in France.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eNo school prize inscription or ownership presentation is visible in the photographs provided.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eMaterials\u003cbr\u003ePaper\u003cbr\u003eDecorated cartonnage-covered boards\u003cbr\u003eExtensive gilt-stamped ornament\u003cbr\u003ePrinted and engraved illustrations\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eDimensions\u003cbr\u003ePlease add exact dimensions from physical measurement.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eDisclaimers \/ Condition\u003cbr\u003eAntique condition consistent with age and use. Visible rubbing and wear to the boards, corners, edges and spine, with some losses and abrasion to the surface decoration. Gilt remains strong overall and retains excellent decorative presence.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eInterior pages show expected age toning, scattered foxing and spotting. Engraved illustrations remain present. Binding appears intact overall from the photographs, with age-related wear visible at the spine and joints.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003ePlease review all photographs closely as they form an important part of the condition description.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"For the Louvre of Antiques LLC","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":49259610996991,"sku":null,"price":160.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0725\/8780\/4927\/files\/2A71FB5D-AF15-48E9-A09B-8A092D23F50D.png?v=1789916668","url":"https:\/\/forthelouvreofantiques.com\/fr\/products\/1850-french-gilt-cartonnage-book-mathilde-et-gabrielle-ou-les-bienfaits-d-une-education-chretienne","provider":"For the Louvre of Antiques LLC","version":"1.0","type":"link"}