[Paris, 1727].
Large folio [632 x 458 mm] of:
– 1 map,
– 44 full-page plates,
– 3 double-page plates,
– 5 leaves with 41 small engravings.
Thus a total of 89 plates in 53 pieces.
Full citron morocco, double frame of triple gilt fillet around the covers, crowned cypher in the corners, gilt-stamped arms in the center, gilt edges, inner gilt roll-stamp. Slight rubbing to the extremities of the spine and joints, pale scratch on the upper cover. Contemporary binding.
Superb work dedicated to the description of the Versailles cave.
This is part VI of the second edition of this superb collection of engravings, produced by order of Louis XIV in 23parts (the first edition was published around 1677-1679 in volumes of different formats, with explanatory texts).
Informed by his minister Colbert, Louis XIV, in a double concern of patronage and propaganda, looked for his collections to be reproduced as well as the important cultural events of his reign. The orders he placed formed the fund that we know under the name of “Cabinet du Roi”.
The Cabinet du Roi was one of the greatest successes undertaken to the King’s glory.
La Description de la grotte contains 20 plates engraved between 1672 and 1678, by Le Paultre, Chauveau, Picart, Edelinck, Baudet…
Le Labyrinthe contains 41 plates of small format on 5 leaves, and signed Le Clerc.
Follow 28 plates of fountains and pools statues, signed Le Paultre (1672-1680), Silvestre (1680-1684), Chastillon (1683), Simonneau le Jeune (1688-1689)…
Superb copy, complete with its 89 plates, preserved in its contemporary citron morocco binding with the arms and cypher of Louis XIV.
Olivier-Hermal, Reliures armoriées françaises, plate 2494, tools n°10 and 21.
Provenance: Viscount Cowdray with ex-libris with arms; Baron Alexis de Redé with ex-libris with arms.
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