Paris, chez l’auteur, et chez Desaint et Saillant, 1765.
Folio of: (2) ll., 232 pp., (1) l. of approval and privilege, 57 numbered plates (33 full-page pl. and 24 on double-page including 9 folding), 4 vignettes engraved in the text. Some slight browning, margin of pl. LII formerly restored without loss to the engraving. Full red morocco, triple gilt fillet on the covers, wide gilt stamped arms in the center, gilt-stamped crowned cypher in the corners, ribbed decorated spine with the same crowned cypher repeated, lettering piece in Havana brown morocco, double gilt fillet on the cuts, inner gilt roll-stamp, gilt edges. Contemporary binding.
417 x 283 mm.
First edition and first issue of this superb work dedicated to monuments erected throughout France for the glory of King Louis XV of France.
Avery Architectural Library p. 760 ; Brunet, IV, 443.
A copy from the first issue, published before the addition of the supplement of 3 pages page 177.
Pierre Patte, an architect for the Palatine Prince, duke of Zweibrücken, was born in Paris on January 3 1723 and died in Mantes on August 19 1814, “he got especially famous because of the books he wrote about his art, rather than because of his execution works. He had built in Paris the Hôtel Charost, managed the construction of a part of the duke of Zweibrücken’s palace, and of the castle of Jaresbourg, drawn from the model of the Trianon.”
The superb illustration consists of 33 full-page plates, 4 plates on double-page including 9 folding and 4 vignettes in the text including one drawn by Boucher and engraved by Cochin.
They represent plans, projects of elevation of squares, of fountains and decorations, of statues… in Paris, Rouen, Reims, Rennes, Nancy, Bordeaux, Valenciennes, etc.
“One fleuron on the title, 2 vignettes drawn by Patte and 57 plates, including several folded, by Patte, Marvie, Loye, Constant, etc. engraved par Aubri, Baquoy, Gabriel, etc. » (Catalogue Pichon, n°451).
“A copy in red morocco bearing the arms of the King, 140 French francs Béhague sale” (Cohen, col. 786).
A superb presentation copy contemporary bound in red morocco bearing the arms and cypher of King Louis XV of France (1710-1774).
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