[Fine Bindings] [Incunable] [Hagué, Théodore] Hieronymus, Sophronius Eusebius. Commentaria in Bibliam

Venice: Johannes and Gregorius de Gregoriis, de Forlivio, 1497-(1498). Two parts in one volume. Folio, 13 1/2 x 8 7/8 in. (343 x 225 mm). 394 (of 845) leaves: *6, *6, a–c8, d10, e8, f6, g-h10, i8, k6, l–u8, x-y6; A–R8, S10, T–Z6, AA-BB8, CC6. Edited by Bernardinus Gadolus. Roman and gothic type, in 60 lines, plus headline; with woodcut initials and woodcut historiated initials. A fine late 19th-century binding by noted forger Théodore Hagué, bound in the style of a 16th-century deluxe Papal binding, in full brown calf over oak boards, elaborately stamped in gilt with a rich interlaced and arabesque design, painted in white, red, blue, pink, and yellow; arms of 16th-century Pope Paul IV at center of front and rear boards: eight silver bosses; four heart-shaped painted enamel miniatures on clasp hardware, each showing a figure of the prophets; patterned gauffered gilt and blue edges; straps perished; scattered rubbing and small chipping to painted calf; extremities and spine rubbed and with small chips; raised bands worn at front joint; white paint on arms oxidized; small tape repair in top edge of first text leaf; scattered marginalia. ISTC ih00160000; Goff H160; H 8581*; Bod-Inc: H-080; Sheppard 3910; Pr 4558; BMC V 350; BSB-Ink H-259; GW 12419

A fine and rare Théodore Hagué binding, imitating a deluxe
Papal 16th century Italian-style binding. Hagué (1822-91) is considered "the most notorious forger of fine early modern bindings" (Folger), and is remembered for his elaborate and finely bound royal-style bindings, such as this. Briefly employed by Zaehnsdorf, and the Duke d’Aumale, Hagué began forging bindings in the 1860s. Beginning in 1875, under the identity of dealer J. Caulin, Hagué began selling his elaborate bindings, many of which were purchased by London bookseller Bernard Quaritch. Quaritch then sold several to wealthy London merchant John Blacker. By the late 1880s the ruse was discovered, but not after Blacker had spent over £36,000 collecting these specimens. Following Blacker's death, his son, Carlos, sold 110 of these bindings at Sotheby's in 1897. This book was lot 53 in that sale, and was purchased by London bookseller James Tregaskis.

Despite the above, today these Hagué bindings are quite scarce and are prized for their beauty and craftsmanship.

This lot is located in Philadelphia.

1. Théodore Hagué

2. Bernard Quarich

3. John Blacker

4. Sotheby, Wilkinson & Hodge, Catalogue of a Remarkable Collection of Books..., London, November 11, 1897, Lot 53

4. James Tregaskis

5. Private Collection

Darren Winston

SVP, Head of Department, Books and Manuscripts, Philadelphia

[email protected]267.414.1247

Darren Winston, Senior Vice President at Freeman’s, has served as Head of Department for Books & Manuscripts, Philadelphia, since 2018. He has been a trustee of the Rosenbach Museum and Library since 2022, is a member of The Manuscript Society, The Bibliographical Society of America, and Philadelphia’s Philobiblon Club.

Raised in northern New Jersey, Darren moved to New York City in 1988 and began his career there as a bookseller in 1995. He spent the next 18 years selling to private clients and at East Coast book fairs. In 2003 he moved with his young family to Sharon, Connecticut where, in 2009, he opened his own bookshop. Darren Winston, Bookseller offered rare and vintage books, prints, fine art, and more, and hosted over 50 book signings and art shows. He was a trustee and, later, Board President, of the Sharon Historical Society, and for six years a trustee of Indian Mountain School in Lakeville, Connecticut.

Darren has hosted the radio program "Darren Winston's Book Report" for NPR-affiliate WHDD since 2009, appeared in the 2014 book-themed documentary The Paper Trail, and in 2024 he joined Antiques Roadshow as a books and manuscripts appraiser. From 1999 to 2005, Darren was the buyer and consultant to the Fine and Rare Books Department at Asprey, the British luxury goods company, at its New York headquarters. While there he spearheaded various in-store events including readings by Salman Rushdie and Dominick Dunne.

In 1993, Darren was hired as a Creative Consultant to Columbia Records, where he assisted in the repackaging of their 12-record Aerosmith back catalogue. He later sold his extensive collection of Aerosmith memorabilia, which he began amassing at the age of 14, directly to the band.

Darren now lives on the Main Line, outside Philadelphia, with his wife, two children, and dog. The family travels frequently to his wife's native England and Scotland. When not bookselling, he plays guitar in Pumped, an Aerosmith tribute band. Darren also appears on the top-rated PBS television program Antiques Roadshow.

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[Fine Bindings] [Incunable] [Hagué, Théodore] Hieronymus, Sophronius Eusebius. Commentaria in Bibliam

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