Robert Bouchet’s label
by Denis Pécaut, 2021
Robert Bouchet‘s label is of fascinating beauty. He was known for having made his own press and for printing his label himself. Using the book edition technique called “Titre à encadrement grave” (title in engraved frame), his label displays wonderful intricate and sophisticated motifs. Interestingly, similar prints can be found in early French books from the 16th century. Fascinating fact: one of them is a collection of prose and poetry by its namesake Jean Bouchet.
Photomontage of three examples of “title in engraved frame”.
Left: Robert Bouchet (1898–1986), classical guitar label, 1962, Siccas Guitars GmbH.
Middle: Jean Bouchet (1476–1558), Les triumphes de la noble dame amoureuse, et l’art d’honnestement aimer, 1563. Courtesy of Hôtel Drouot in Paris.
Right: Jacques Peletier Du Mans (1517–1582), L’Amour des Amours. Vers liriques, 1555. Courtesy of Christie’s Paris.
