fanfare style
An elaborate style of decoration consisting
generally of geometrically formed compartments of
varying sizes, each bounded by a ribbon consisting
of a single fillet on one side and a double fillet
on the other, each of which, with the exception of
the center compartment (which is larger or
otherwise distinguished), being filled with leafy
spirals, branches of laurel, and other sprays,
floral tools, rare in the last fifty years or so.
See and the like. Fanfare was a rich and luxurious
style and called for the greatest skill on the
part of the bookbinder. It was imitated, with
varying degrees of fidelity, throughout Europe
from about 1570 until well into the 17th century,
although its elements were largely imitative of
previous styles of embellishment. Originally, the
style was attributed exclusively to Nicholas and
Clovis Ève, but it is more likely that a
number of Parisian finishers executed many of
these binding. The name "fanfare," which
originated long after the style was first
executed, derives from a binding of the 19th
century binder, JOSEPH
THOUVENIN , who revived the style on a volume
he bound in 1829, Les Fanfares et Corvees
abbadesques. See PLATE VI . (69 , 158 ,253 )