LE MAIRE (Jean). - Lot 16

LE MAIRE (Jean). Traits de l'histoire universelle et profane d'après les plus grands peintres, et les meilleurs écrivains. Primarily intended for the education of young people, but also suitable for the instruction and amusement of people of all ages and sexes who wish to learn about history, and offering young artists excellent models of composition and design. Amsterdam : Fouquet le jeune ; Paris : Mlle Le Maire, Desaint et Saillant, frères Étienne, Joullain, 1760 [Tome 1] - Amsterdam : Fouquet le jeune ; Paris : L'auteur, Desaint et Saillant, frères Étienne, Joullain, Michel Lambert, 1760-1762 [Tome 2 à 4]. - 4 volumes in-8, marbled calf, cold fillet framing the boards, ornate smooth spine, marbled edges (period binding). First edition dedicated to the Duke of Burgundy, of the 4 volumes devoted to sacred history. Two other volumes on poetic art were published, but are missing here. This is an illustrated account of sacred history, intended for the education of youth. Each leaf features a mid-page figure, accompanied by the corresponding biblical text in Latin and its translation into French by Abbé Jean-Louis Aubert and Anne-Gabriel Meunier de Querlon. In Volume IV, the texts come not only from the "Bible", but also from the "War of the Jews against the Romans", Josephus' "Antiquities of the Jews", the three evangelists Luke, Matthew and John, and the "Acts of the Apostles". The edition is fully engraved, with a frontispiece, 4 titles, two dedication leaves and 520 plates, including 130 in the first volume, 110 in the second, 124 in the third and 156 in the last. The work was designed by the engraver Jean Le Maire (17..-1772), who engraved a large part of the plates, assisted by François Godefroy, Aveline, B. A. Dunker, Duclos, Née, Masquelier, etc. These engravings are based on drawings and paintings by various artists, including such greats as François Boucher, Le Caravage, Antoine Coypel, Nicolas Poussin, Raphaël, Rembrandt, Rubens, Paul Véronèse, etc. A very fine copy in contemporary binding, complete with all engravings, which is rare. Crack at the hinge of the second plate of the first volume and marginal wetness on a few leaves, otherwise a very well preserved copy. Provenance: old signature "Du Buat" at the top of the titles. - R. de L'Esperonnière, with bookplate.