Moliére (1622-1673) was the nom-de-theater, by the great French dramatist Jean Baptiste Poquelin, and then substituted for his family name. Among the playwright’s best-known dramas are The Misanthrope, The School for Wives, Tartuffe or the Hypocrite, The Miser and The Bourgeois Gentleman.

KML Gallery of Fine Art is privileged to offer the illustrations from the complete, twelve-volume set of The Works of Molière, as originally published in 1898 for Eleanor B. Clubb (presumably of Boston, Mass). During the 1950’s the collection was acquired from her heirs by the eminent designer, Mr. Edwin J. Cole and subsequently bequeathed to the wife of his grandson, currently represented by KML Gallery of Fine Art

The collection includes approximately 438 engraved plates (including 12 color plates) representing 33 plays and a selection of poems, published on Japan Vellum Paper, in 1895 by Chéz Barrie Freres of Paris, and distributed by special order in 1898 by George Barrie and Son of Philadelphia. The collection is offered as 32 complete suites.

This edition was limited to 250 copies. The collection offered (as complete Suites) is edition 238, including selected images struck from the original etchings of the late 1600's, with additional delineation, illustration and paintings by MM., Louis Leloir, Maurice Leloir, Jaques Leman, Edmond Hedouin, Géry Bichard and others.

Each suite is provided with complete provenance dating to its issue of 1898 (including a copy of the original issuance certificate), collection title page, publisher’s title page, a list of engravings within each respective suite, dedication plate for the original owner, and certificate of authenticity from KML Gallery of Fine Art.

Most engravings show deep plate markings surrounding the image, providing the effect of an additional, yet subtle border around the image, which adds depth to each image. Some plate-strikes are more predominant than others, giving each image its own unique appearance.

While KML Gallery of Fine Art does not represent ourselves as framers as other galleries do, we do offer high-quality, carefully selected period frames from Larsen-Juhl, in addition to archival mounting for the Moliére collection at very competitive cost.

~ REFERENCE ~

Japan Vellum - A thick paper produced in Japan from native fibers that are of relative great length. The paper has a very cloudy formation and is tough and durable. The color is usually cream or natural and is finished with a smooth surface. Japanese vellum is suitable for engravings, etc., or where a very durable paper is required.

An imitation, made by treating ordinary paper with sulphuric acid, is sometimes called "Japon."

01. Memoir and The Blunderer A collection of twenty engravings including the three opening master & Title of 1663 images of the collection, to include ‘Moliére and His Muse’ – the color plate-image from the series. Engravings in the definitive state by Jacque Leman, Louis Leloir and Edmond Hedouin.

02. The Love Tiff A collection of fifteen engravings, including the Title of 1663 and other works in the definitive state by Jacque Leman and Edmond Hedouin.

03. The Pretentious Young Ladies A collection of seven engravings, including the Title of 1660 and other works in the definitive state by Jacque Leman and Edmond Hedouin.

04. Sganarelle or The Self-Deceived Husband A collection of eight engravings, including including one of twelve color plates, the Title of 1660 and other works in the definitive state by Jacque Leman and Edmond Hedouin.

05. The Jealousy of Barboruillé and The Flying Doctor A collection of nine engravings, including the Title of 1883 and other works in the definitive state by Jacque Leman. The two suites are offered as one and will not be separated.

06. Don Garcia of Navarre or The Jealous Prince A collection of fifteen engravings, including the Title of 1661 and other works in the definitive state by Jacque Leman and Edmond Hedouin.

07. The School for Husbands A collection of eleven engravings, including the Title of 1661 and other works in the definitive state by Jacque Leman and Edmond Hedouin.

08. The Bores The collection of thirteen engravings, including the Title of 1662 and other works in the definitive state by Jacque Leman and Edmond Hedouin.

09. The School for Wives One of the most recognized of Moliere’s plays, includes the collection of sixteen engravings, including one of twelve color plates, the Title of 1663 and other works in the definitive state by Jacque Leman and Edmond Hedouin.

10. The School for Wives Criticized A collection of seven engravings, including the Title of 1663 and other works in the definitive state by Jacque Leman and Edmond Hedouin.

11. The Impromtu of Versailles A collection of seven engravings, including the Title of 1663 and other works in the definitive state by Jacque Leman and Edmond Hedouin.

12. The Forced Marriage A collection of seven engravings, including the Title of 1668 and other works in the definitive state by Jacque Leman and Edmond Hedouin.

13. The Princess of Elis A collection of thirty engravings, including one of twelve color plates, the Title of 1665 and other works in the definitive state by Jacque Leman and color illustration by Edmond Hedouin. One of the two largest suites in the collection.

14. Don Juan or The Feast With the Statue A collection of sixteen engravings, including including one of twelve color plates, the Title of 1682 and other works in the definitive state by Jacque Leman and color illustration by Edmond Hedouin.

15. Love is the Best Doctor A collection of thirteen engravings, including the Title of 1666 and other works in the definitive state by Jacque Leman and Edmond Hedouin.

16. The Misanthrope A collection of fifteen engravings, including the Title of 1667 and other works in the definitive state by Jacque Leman and Edmond Hedouin.

17. The Physician in Spite of Himself A collection of twelve engravings, including including one of twelve color plates, the Title of 1667 and other works in the definitive state by Jacque Leman and color illustration by Edmond Hedouin.

18. Mélicerte and A Comic Pastoral From the collection of fifteen engravings, including the Title of 1666 and other works in the definitive state. Collection 238/250 with works by Maurice Leloir, Edmond Hedouin; with contributions by others. The collection represents both plays.

19. The Sicilian A collection of seven engravings, including the Title of 1668 and other works in the definitive state by Maurice Leloir and Edmond Hedouin.

20. Tartuffe or The Hypocrite A collection of sixteen engravings, including one of twelve color plates, the Title of 1669 and other works in the definitive state by Maurice Leloir and Edmond Hedouin.

21. Amphitryon A collection of fourteen engravings, including the Title of 1668 and other works in the definitive state by Maurice Leloir and Edmond Hedouin.

22. The Miser A collection of sixteen engravings, including one of twelve color plates, the Title of 1669 and other works in the definitive state by Maurice Leloir and Edmond Hedouin.

23. George Dandin or The Abashed Husband A collection of thirteen engravings, including the Titles of 1668 and 1669 and other works in the definitive state by Maurice Leloir and Edmond Hedouin.

24. Monsieur de Pourceaugnac A collection of thirteen engravings, including the Title of 1670 and other works in the definitive state by Maurice Leloir and Edmond Hedouin.

25. The Magnificent Lovers A collection of twenty-eight engravings, including one of twelve color plates, the Title of 1670 and other works in the definitive state by Maurice Leloir and others.

26. The Citizen Who Apes the Nobleman A collection of eighteen engravings, including one of twelve color plates, the Title of 1671 and other works in the definitive state by Maurice Leloir and Edmond Hedouin.

27. Psyche; Tragedy Ballet A collection of eighteen engravings, including the Title of 1671 and other works in the definitive state by Maurice Leloir and Edmond Hedouin.

28. The Rogueries of Scapin A collection of eleven engravings, including the Title of 1671 and other works in the definitive state by Maurice Leloir and Edmond Hedouin.

29. The Countess of Escarbagnas A collection of eight engravings, including one of twelve color plates, the Title of 1672 and other works in the definitive state by Maurice Leloir and Edmond Hedouin.

30. The Learned Ladies A collection of fifteen engravings, including the Title of 1672 and other works in the definitive state by Maurice Leloir and Edmond Hedouin.

31. The Imaginary Invalid A collection of fourteen engravings, including one of twelve color plates, the Title of 1673 and other works in the definitive state by Maurice Leloir and Edmond Hedouin.

32. Poems A collection of ten engravings including the Title of 1669 and other works in the definitive state by Maurice Leloir.