2 volumes. [4], 4, 4, vii, 82 pp. + 2 engraved vignette title pages and 149 plates; [4], 73 pp. + 151 plates. (Folios) 18x11½, period half maroon morocco and marbled boards. First Edition.
A monumental collection of superb engraved images of French decorative art, architecture, etc. of the 7th-18th centuries. The work was begun in 1806 by Willemin and completed after his death in 1833 by his daughter, who arranged for publication and commissioned the descriptive text from Pottier. Many of the plates are printed in colored inks; shades of blue, green, red, russett, brown, etc. The engraving is of the finest quality and printed on rag paper. 4-page subscriber list includes French and other European royalty, 2 Rothschilds, leading artists of the day (including David, Delaroche, Fleury, Ingres, Redouté), etc. With the bookplates of M.G. & E.A. Abbey - Edward Austin Abbey and his wife Magraret Gertrude - in both volumes. Edward Austin Abbey (American, 1852-1911), was a notable painter, muralist, magazine and book illustrator.