Nouveau recueil pratique de lettres modernes à l’usage des peintres
A striking Art Nouveau album of alphabets for sign painters with 14 chromolithographic alphabets of different styles and color combinations. A 4 pp. introduction guides sign painters on reproducing the letters to best effect, including the use of different tones and colors. [Second issue]
RAMADE, LOUIS. Nouveau recueil pratique de lettres modernes à l’usage des peintres.
Paris, Monrocq Frères, n.d. [c. 1900]. Subsequent issue with Ramade referred to as “Ex-Professeur” on the title page, which is numbered “Pl. 1.”
(38 x 29.5 cm). (4)pp + 15 plates of which 14 chromolithographic alphabets and the title page in black, numbered Pl.1. Housed in the original portfolio. Some light staining on the boards, paper on inner hinges of the portfolio a bit worn but all in all a very good copy with bright plates.
$1300
The author, Louis Ramade, writes in his preface that the album is distinguished by the fact that it was designed and executed by a sign painter, i.e., an expert practitioner as opposed to a creative artist who might make beautiful but impractical designs for actual signage. Also included are technical details regarding the size, spacing, proportions and visual presentation of these alphabets when reproduced for public display.
In addition to 14 striking colorful alphabets, the portfolio includes a precise users guide with practical instructions when designing signage: “Méthod pratique pour le traçage d’une enseigne.”
Thus, remarkable documentation of applied methodology for sign painting for public display during the Art Nouveau period.