Abstract

This small (just over 3" x 5") postcard reduplicates in slightly larger form a card I have listed and displayed under "Stock Singles." That card advertises Joseph Lervilles' moka and chicoree. This card was never filled out or sent. Now two weeks after first cataloguing the card, I see it offered on Ebay with markings from Bensdorp Cocoa in Holland and described there as very scarce.

Abstract "Le Corbeau et le renard": A young boy with a basket watches the usual scene between a fox and crow. The latter has not yet let go of the cheese."La Grenouille qui veut se faire aussi grosse que le boeuf": A boy and an ox watch as a frog on a lilly pod explodes. The bottom of the card quotes LaFontaine's lines 9-10: "La chétive pécore s'enfla si bien, qu' elle creva.""La Laitière et le pot au lait": A very young girl holds a surprised hand to her mouth after she has...

Abstract

I do not think that I have another card like this. Various portions were apparently cut out and pasted to a card with the appropriate outlines. The branch of the tree is loose on the trunk end.

Abstract "Les deux taureaux et la grenouille," FC (with a less well printed extra), FS, MSA, TH, TT, and WL. Only FC, MSA, and WL have a clean back. MSA and "Les deux taureaux" seem to have been printed on thicker cardboard stock, and MSA has turned darker over time. My favorites are MSA and FS. In the former the donkey is curled up as though on a litter. In the latter an insect looks on at the chagrined fox. Very nice color combinations! Bertrand seems to indicate that we now have the full set. ...

Abstract Beautifully colored cards with the full text of the fable on the back. The bright colors, including yellows, pinks, and oranges, bring a new kind of life to Doré's somber illustrations. Beneath the text of cards in the "P" format is a standard pitch for Solution Pautauberge, which cures old and new rheumatism and all forms of bronchitis. It also prevents tuberculosis. On the back of the cards in the "K" format mention of anything but the fable is gone. Imagine my surprise at finding one...