CERVANTES SAAVEDRA (Miguel de). - Lot 7

CERVANTES SAAVEDRA (Miguel de). Les Principales avantures de l'admirable Don Quichotte, représentées en figures par Coypel, Picart le romain, et autres habiles maîtres: avec les explications des XXXI Planches de cette magnifique collection, tirées de l'original espagnol de Miguel de Cervantes. The Hague: Pierre de Hondt, 1746. - In-4, marbled calf, triple gilt fillet framing the boards, ornate ribbed spine, gilt edges (period binding). Cohen, 216-217. One of the finest illustrated editions of this masterpiece of Spanish literature. It features a vignette on the title and a band at the head of the dedication, designed and engraved by Jacob Van der Schley, as well as 31 intaglio plates by Simon Fokke, Bernard Picard, Jacob Van der Schley and Pieter Tanjé after François Boucher, Cochin fils, Charles Coypel, Jacques-Philippe Le Bas, Bernard Picart and Trémolières. Copy complete with the final leaf containing the "Avis au relieur" (Notice to the bookbinder), which is often missing. Hinges partly cracked, epidermis, scratches and worm damage on boards and corners, lower head cover missing. Freckling, stains on several leaves, some worm work in the margins and on the endpapers, without affecting the text. Provenance: Fabry notaire, with dark-green morocco binding bearing his name at the bottom of the spine.