MARX (Roger) and Pierre ROCHE. La Loïe Fuller. Estampes modelées de Pierre Roche. Évreux, Ch. Hérissey, 1904; small in-4 ff. of [2] bl. ff., 26 pp., [2] bl. ff., illustrated full colour cover, publisher's Japanese paper-covered slipcase with flaps with engraved title, remains of fastenings. A rare and precious first edition. It marks a milestone in the history of the illustrated book. The album is printed in the new Auriol typeface, used for the first time. It was mainly illustrated by Pierre Roche, a sculptor who adapted his technique to engraving, moulding relief compositions covered in watercolours onto which the paper was applied. To avoid competition between two double-sided engravings, the sheets were printed on one side only and then glued together. This revolutionary technique, known as gypsography, was used by Pierre Roche to illustrate two books, including this one. It was later abandoned because it was too expensive to use and could only be used for very small print runs. The effect lends itself particularly well to this tribute to the dancer Loïe Fuller, whose speciality was waving sails around her body in serpentine contortions. The book is illustrated with a total of 18 highly refined colour compositions, including 2 for the cover. Edition of 130 copies on strong vellum paper, this one, No. 39, printed for Armand Durand. Ex-libris André Barrier, Jean Barrier, Serge Barrier. A few tiny stains or foxing. A. Coron, Des livres rares depuis l'invention de l'imprimerie, 1998, p. 284.