Fore-Edge Paintings

Digital Collection

Identifier: DC-02

Staff Only

Summary

A fore-edge painting is a miniature watercolor executed on the fanned edge or edges of a book; when the book is closed the art disappears, now hidden by the edge gilding. This genre of painting dates from the 1500s, flourished in the 1800s, and is still practiced today. Anonymous and undated paintings include landscapes, scenes and characters from literature, and portraits of authors.

Subjects

Illustration of books Subject Source: Library of Congress Subject Headings
Watercolor painting Subject Source: Library of Congress Subject Headings

Repository Details

Part of the Grand Valley State University Special Collections and University Archives Repository

http://gvsu.edu/library/specialcollections/

Contact:
Seidman House
1 Campus Drive
Allendale MI 49401 United States
616-331-8726
collections@gvsu.edu