A Masque
Comus A Masque
Routledge, 1906.
First edition illustrated by Jessie M. King. 8vo. Red and green boards lettered in gilt. Top edge gilt. The upper cover has a gilt vignette of a design by King. Black and white frontis, pictorial page with details of the cast, plus 8 other beautiful plates in detailed line. A near fine copy.
Comus is the renowned masque in honour of chastity, first performed at Ludlow Castle in 1634 to celebrate the Earl of Bridgewater's new position as the Lord president of Wales.
This edition of Comus was the first instance of Jessie M. King using photogravure, a process that involves a photograph being etched into a copper plate and then printed with ink. Her art nouveau illustrations depict angular and dramatic figures that integrate seamlessly with the organic woodland scenery to portray the dramatic story of Comus, with Pre-Raphaelite charm.
Stock ID: 46106
