| On this page we are going to tackle a sticky problem, and we do not have scans to help us (yet). You will notice in the Missale Romanum spine panel shown at the top of the page, that there is one obvious Dubuisson tool, it is a pd-22-2 that has been used as a filler on the side of the panel between the corner fleurons. I have previously designated a different imprint as pd-22-2, so we can qualify this one as pd-22-2 (1750). In Comparative Diagram 1, we see the type model pd-22-2 (1750). |
| In Comparative Diagram 2, I show the corner detail from a 1750 Livre Rouge, this has been detailed on another page (click here to see it). We know from the exact history of this book and binding that it was made by Pierre-Paul Dubuisson in 1750 or a bit earlier. |
| In Comparative Diagram 3, we see a detail from a portefeuille that I have detailed on another page (click here to see it). The imprints on this item match those of the 1750 Livre Rouge so closely that I am tempted to think that these items were probably made around the same time. |
| In Comparative Diagram 4, I show a binding that I have also detailed previously on another page (click here to see it) and here in a black and white reproduction. The date of this publication is 1748. (lot 29: COLLET (Le Pere) La Vie de Saint Vincent de Paul). |
| In Comparative Diagram 5 I show another binding that I have detailed on another page (click here to see it) the publishing date of this set is 1747. Thus we see that Dubuisson was making a lot of this strapwork style of binding around this time (1747-1750) and the imprint pd-22-2 was an intregal part of the design. I do not show this imprint in my early catalogues, this suggests that it was not used often after 1750. Barber does not show it in his catalogue even though he has catalogued a good number of Dubuisson's other tools. |
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In Comparative Diagram 6 we see a 1770 detail that could only have been made by Pierre Delorme, who employed many of Dubuisson's old tools, however we do not see pd-22-2 (1750). More research is need to find out whether Delorme ever used this tool. Now I have to admit that this is the first time that I have searched extensively through Dubuisson's decorations for this unusual double stemmed fleuron. Here is then, the conundrum, if it turns out that Delorme never used this tool, then I would be forced to think that this Missale Romanum binding was in fact made by Dubuisson. |
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| Even experts are sometimes wrong, before you spend thousands on a book, please do your own research! Just because I say a certain binding can be attributed to le Maitre isn't any kind of guarantee, don't take my word for it, go a step further and get your own proof. In these pages I have provided you with a way of doing just that. |
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