Grand théâtre en Actions. Complete Set of all 4 scenes
A. Capendu. Paris. (Vers 1884)
French edition of Theater-Bilderbuch - a very rare theater picture book - which was published in German and English by Löwensohn
Offered here is a complete set of all 4 separate scenes.
Note: These scenes were sold separately as well as in book form at the same time. (Theo Gielen in movable stationary August 2007)
Grand théâtre en Actions is a truly exquisite set of four rare theater picture books, published in Paris by A. Capendu around 1884. Each of the scenes measures approximately 12" X 10" or 30 X 26 cm, and when lifted with their original red ribbons, reveal a stunning four-layered diorama of three cut-outs and a backdrop. The scenes are accompanied by corresponding text at the bottom, adding an extra layer of depth to the immersive experience. It is worth noting that the publisher used a printed cover board from the book version to back up the Sleeping Beauty scene, making this set even more unique and remarkable.
Condition (see photos) :
Trop parler nuit Talking too much at night (Little Red Riding Hood)
"pop-up" scene is in complete original shape and pops up perfectly with all original parts and original blue tabs.
Pauvre Robinson Poor Robinson (Robinson Crusoe)
"pop-up" scene is in complete original shape and pops up perfectly with all original parts and original blue tabs.
Un chat comme on en voit peu A rare cat (Puss in Boots)
"pop-up" scene is missing part of the top of the first layer with an attempted restoration – see photo. Pops up just fine with all original parts and original blue tabs.
Réveillez-vous belle endormie. Wake up Sleeping Beauty (Sleeping Beauty)
"pop-up" scene is missing part of the top of the first layer – see photo. Pops up just fine with all original parts and original blue tabs.
Collectors Corner:
Also published in German as Theater-Bilderbuch by Löwensohn
Cited in Russell 1881 Vol 4 and 1894 Vol 16, a theater picture book of publisher Löwensohn. The names of the scenes in the German edition are:
Der arme Robinson, Der gestiefelte Kater, Rothkäppchen, and Dornröschen.
And in English:
The names of the scenes in the English edition are:
Poor Robinson (Robinson Crusoe), A Rare Cat (Puss in Boots), Too Much Talking is Hurtful (Little Red Riding Hood), and Awake, Sleeping Beauty.