Subject: Title Pages
Period: 1700-78 (published)
Publication:
Color: Black & White
This lot includes seven beautiful French title pages from the eighteenth century. These sheets combine a variety of styles and form a very nice collection.
1) Atlas Universel, Robert de Vaugondy, Paris, 1757. (13.8 x 18.8") This sheet is presented in the grand pictorial style with graceful personifications of the four continents and the sun-god Apollo in his chariot galloping across the heavens. In the foreground six putti frolic around the globe. (A) Nice impression with some minor soil in margins.
2) Atlas Methodique et Elementaire de Geographie et d'Histoire…, Louis Charles Desnos, Paris, circa 1770. The title is presented is a large oval cartouche surrounded by navigational and astronomical instruments with a small scene of Clio, the muse of history, at top. The title information continues in manuscript ink. (18.5 x 12.8") (B) There are some ink stains, a small tear, and a fold separation at bottom.
3) L'Atlas Curieux ou le Monde…, Nicolas de Fer, 1705. (13 x 8.5") This fine sheet features a busy harbor scene reflecting the growth in overseas trade and the expansion of colonial settlement throughout the world. (A) Nice impression on lightly toned paper with a bit of color in title.
4) L'Allemagne et les Princes Souverains de l'Empire…, Sanson family, circa 1700. (platemark 7.8 x 12" on 10.7 x 17" sheet) This sheet contains a small engraving of two angels supporting two French heralds. (A) Some damp stains outside the platemark.
5) Atlas Ameriquain Septentrional…, George Louis le Rouge, Paris, 1778. (12 x 17") Text only (B) Tears at right just entering the platemark.
6) Atlas ou Recueil de Cartes Geographiques…, Nicolas de Fer, Paris, 1709. (11 x 15.3") This sheet is rendered in the classical architectural style with a globe at top featuring the island of California. (B) There are a couple minor creases in the image and the margins are stained and torn.
7) Le Nouveau Theatre du Monde, ou la Geographie Royale…, Pieter van der Aa, 1713. (17.3 x 12.8" sheet, image 5 x 2") Printed in red and black ink. The small image features several allegorical figures. (B+) There are some minor spots and some pencil notations at bottom.
References:
Condition:
See descriptions.