Chansons de France pour les Petits Français

Chansons de France pour les Petits Français by J.-B. Weckerlin and Maurice Boutet de Monvel, Illustrated Songbook, c. Late 19th Century

10 3/4” x 9 1/8”

A richly illustrated French children’s songbook, Chansons de France pour les Petits Français, first published in 1884, with music compiled by Jean-Baptiste Weckerlin and illustrations by Maurice Boutet de Monvel. This edition preserves the original vision: a decorative cloth binding printed with a floral daisy motif and accented with gilt-stamped thistles.

The volume brings together traditional French nursery rhymes and folk tunes, pairing melodies and lyrics with lively full-page illustrations. Songs such as Gentil Coquelicot (the rooster’s tale) and Malbrough s’en va-t-en guerre (the soldier’s departure) reflect the humor, folklore, and patriotic undertones of late 19th-century childhood culture. The book was designed to both delight children and reinforce French identity during the Third Republic, blending entertainment with cultural education.

Historical note: Maurice Boutet de Monvel was a leading illustrator of the Belle Époque, celebrated for his clean lines, bold colors, and ability to make images appealing to children and adults alike. His collaboration with Weckerlin on this volume is considered one of the landmarks of French children’s book design.

Today, the book is valued not only as a children’s anthology but also as an art object and piece of French cultural history. Use it as a tray on a coffee table or console to ground a vignette. Styled open, it showcases its illustrations beautifully; styled closed, it makes a striking addition to a nursery shelf, music corner, or decorative vignette.

Condition shows expected wear from handling: light rubbing to the spine and corners, but overall sound binding and a vibrant cover that retains its decorative appeal.