The Bohemian Polka, composed & respectfully dedicated to Viscount Bury by Herrman Koenig.. Pr. 3/-

London: Jullien, 1845. Folio, 337 x 250 mm. Attractive colour lithograph by J. Brandard printed by M. & N. Hanhart depicting a couple in Bohemian dress dancing the polka within Jullien's characteristic decorative border gilt. 1f. (recto illustrated title, verso blank), [1] (full textual instructions for dancing the polka together with publisher's advertisements), 2-7, [i] (blank) pp.

With composer's facsimile signature handstamp to lower right margin.

Disbound, with small stab holes to inner margins. Light uniform browning; scattered foxing; first folio slightly split at head. The subjects depicted are thought to possibly be the important dancer and choreographer Jules Perrot (1810-1892) and the noted Danish Romantic ballerina Lucille Grahn (1819-1907).

With an intriguing "second rule" for dancing the polka: "... never to imitate the theatrical figure taught by some dancing masters de Bas étage, which perfomance is very amusing in a Theatre, but in a distinguished ball-room totally mauvais ton."

John Brandard (1812-1863), an English lithographic artist, "took the chromolithograph, which had been first used in connection with music in 1841, to an incredibly high level of sophistication, using half a dozen or more stones to produce a single image, printed on paper of a far higher quality than had been used for this purpose hitherto... The colours red and blue predominate in his palette of the 1840s, along with some exquisitely diaphanous draughtsmanship and plentiful use of gold, especially in filigree borders. This latter was something Brandard may have learned when copying medieval illuminations for the Hanharts' bound music albums. His covers convey an illusion of luxury and refinement, and are clearly aimed at the wealthier sections of society. Brandard employed two full-time assistants, allowing him to produce artwork quickly and prolifically, mainly concentrating on ballet and opera. His portraits of dancers were admired by Degas." Wikipedia.