In Paris, at Desaint & Saillant, Durand, 1755-1759.
4 folio volumes (44.5 x 29 cm). Full burgundy morocco from the first half of the 20th century, triple gilded thread framing the covers, fleurons at the angles, spine with 6 ribs, interior lace, all gilt edges.
Very good general condition.
1 restoration on the title page of volume III and pronounced rednesses on the two white guard leaves and on the volume number page, an ink stain on the edge of the last pages.
Beautiful copy
The most beautiful edition of the 18th century bringing together all the fables of the Fountain, adorned with a total of 275 prints after drawings by Jean-Baptiste Oudry.
The prints were intaglio engraved by 42 engravers including Aliamet, Aveline, Beauvarlet, Cars, Chedel, Chenu, Choffard, Dupin, Fessard, Flipart, Gallimard, Le Bas, Le Mire, Lempereur, Moitte, Pasquier, Poletnich, Radigues, Tardieu and Cochin himself.
The edition also includes 209 cul-de-lamps with floral and allegorical motifs, drawn by Bachelier, painter of flowers and woodcut by Lesueur and Papillon.
You can consult all the maps, books and engravings available in your region by clicking on the link of our website specializing in ancient geographic archives:
https://cartes-livres-anciens.com/categorie-produit/livres/livres-illustres/
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All our maps and engravings are accompanied by a certificate of authenticity.
1st print with the engraving of the Monkey and the leopard, before the word “Leopard” on the banner.
Volume I (1755): frontispiece, title, To the King, Epistle of Mr de Montenault, Publisher's warning, Life of La Fontaine, Epistle to the Dauphin, Preface, Life of Aesop, Book I, II and III of the Fables, frontispiece and illustrated with 70 full-page prints by Oudry.
Volume II (1755): Books IV, V and VI of Fables illustrated with 68 full-page prints by Oudry.
Volume III (1756): Books VII, VIII and IX of the Fables illustrated with 68 full-page prints by Oudry.
Volume IV (1759): Books X, XI and XII of the Fables illustrated with 69 full-page prints by Oudry.