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PASSAVANT, LUCILE. 1910-2012. VIRGIL. 70-19 B.C.E. Les Bucoliques. Paris: Philippe Gonin, 1951. 4to. 80 wood engravings by Lucile Passavant. Loose as issued in publisher's cream-colored wrappers and vellum-backed portfolio, black titling on spine, later patterned paper slipcase. Slight soiling to spine, corners worn to boards, faint spotting to covers, minor internal foxing. ONE OF 200 COPIES, inscribed by the artist on the second preliminary leaf and with a greeting card illustrated and inscribed by the artist to Mr. and Mrs. Thom laid in at front. The connection between Mr. and Mrs. Thom and Passavant may have been of some importance, as the French notes from the artist to the owners here reflect a friendly relationship. A finely printed and illustrated edition of Virgil's first century B.C. pastoral poems, Translated by L'Abbé Delille [pseudonym of the Chevalier de Langeac]. These evocative and mysterious eclogues (or bucolics) are of great importance as an inspiration for the entire European tradition of pastoral poetry. Additionally, they provided an oblique commentary on Roman politics during the time that Gaius Octavian Caesar consolidated his power in the age of post-Julian turmoil. In terms of its modern importance, the book is a showcase for sculptress, painter, and wood engraver Lucile Passavant, who began her career as a voluptuous model posing for French sculptor Aristide Maillol (1861-1944). Though married, he fell in love with her, and she became his mistress. For further information on this lot please visit the Bonhams website