[Somov, Konstantin].

4to (238 x 184 mm), one of 800 copies, title-page printed in red and black, half-title, frontispiece, 20 plates (11 coloured), illustrations (16 coloured) within text, twentieth-century black morocco, design of half-title reproduced in gilt on the upper cover, spine gilt in compartments, upper cover of original wrapper bound in, housed in a custom-made slipcase, light offsetting from some plates

Condition is described in the main body of the cataloguing, where appropriate
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

the supreme expression of russian erotic graphic art. Somov had been working on Le Livre de la Marquise since the turn of the century (see lot 102), but it was not until the Russian Revolution precipitated the, temporary, cessation of censorship that Somov's vision was able to be realised. He fuses carefully selected erotic texts with delicate illustrations that evoke both the sedateness and rumbustiousness of the eighteenth century, and which in their line and style recall Somov's contemporary Aubrey Beardsley. A later edition was issued under a false Venetian imprint and contained additional plates of a more explicit nature.