KARLSBAD. Aquarellen-Album

KARLSBAD. Aquarellen-Album. Prague: A. Schönfeld & Co.; printed by J. Schneider, Kladno, ca. 1905–1910.

Oblong 19 × 30 cm. 6 pp. of introductory text in German, English, and French, followed by 19 mounted colour plates reproducing watercolours of Karlovy Vary (Karlsbad), each within elegant Art Nouveau decorative borders and captioned in German. Publisher's original green cloth portfolio-style album with cord ties, the front cover decorated with a mounted colour view of the Hotel Kroha within a gilt Art Nouveau frame.

A finely produced souvenir album celebrating the famous Bohemian spa at the height of its international popularity. The opening text recounts the history of the thermal springs from the legendary foundation of the town by Emperor Charles IV and describes Karlsbad as one of Europe's foremost health resorts. The attractive plates depict many of the town's principal landmarks and scenic views, including the Röhrig Villa and Anglican Church, Alte Wiese, Schloßbrunn, and numerous panoramic views of the spa, all reproduced in rich colour within stylish Art Nouveau decorative frames.

Condition: Very good. Wear to the tips and edges of the original hard covers, with some rubbing and light marks to the cloth; cord ties present. Internally clean and bright, with the colour plates fresh and well preserved.