LE BRUN (Charles). - Lot 33

LE BRUN (Charles). Conférence de monsieur Le Brun premier peintre du roy de France, chancelier et directeur de l'Académie de peinture et sculpture. Sur l'Expression generale & particuliere. Amsterdam: J. L. De Lorme; Paris: E. Picart le Romain, 1698. - In-12, blond calf, gilt fillets framing the boards, ornate spine, inner gilt roulette, gilt edges (Thouvenin). Posthumous first edition published by Étienne Picart, of this study of human physiognomy in painting. "The Author, after having explained in a few words the opinions of the sçavans on the nature & the siege of the Passions, particularly endeavors to describe the different effects they produce on the external parts; what he demonstrates by a great number of figures which he drew himself, & which express what he says of each Passion in particular" (Le Libraire au lecteur). The edition is illustrated with 41 copper-engraved plates by Bernard Picart (1673-1733) after drawings by Le Brun. It ends with an "Abrégé d'une conférence de monsieur Le Brun, Sur la phisionomie". A copy in Thouvenin binding, complete with the engraved title for the suite of engravings, which is hardly ever present. It reads: "Caractères des Passions Gravés par Bernard Picart Sur les dessins de Mr le Brun". Rubbing to spine and hinges, stain to first board and top of spine spilling over to boards. Provenance: Laurence Currie, with bookplate.