Fore-edge painting is a type of book decoration that involves painting on the edges of the pages of a book. The fore-edge is the part of the page that is closest to the spine, and fore-edge painting is a way to add extra decoration to a book beyond what is possible with the cover or the pages themselves.
Fore-edge painting has a long history, and examples can be found in books from the medieval period. The practice reached its height of popularity in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, when it was used to create elaborate and detailed paintings on the fore-edges of books. Many of these paintings were landscapes, but other subjects were also popular, such as portraits, biblical scenes, and mythological scenes.
Fore-edge painting fell out of fashion in the twentieth century, but has experienced a resurgence in recent years. Modern fore-edge paintings are often more subtle than their predecessors, and often make use of transparent dyes that allow the painting to be seen only when the pages of the book are fanned out. This type of fore-edge painting is sometimes called ghost fore-edge painting.
Fore-edge painting is not only a way to create beautiful and unique books, but also a way to add value to a book. Books with fore-edge paintings can be quite valuable, especially if the painting is by a well-known artist or if the book is otherwise rare or collectible.
If you are interested in having a book with a fore-edge painting, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, it is important to find a bookbinder who is skilled in this type of decoration. Second, fore-edge paintings can be delicate, so it is important to choose a book that is in good condition and that will be unlikely to be damaged. Finally, be aware that fore-edge paintings can add significantly to the cost of a book.