Manuel des jeunes artistes et amateurs en peinture. by BOUVIER,…

8vo (210 × 125 mm), pp. x, 670, [2], including half-title, lithographed title and errata leaf, plus 7 folding lithograph plates by Engelmann. Some foxing to the plate margins, which are slightly trimmed at the head, affecting only the plate numbers. Contemporary blindstamped polished calf, gilt panelled spine, by Simier. Slightly rubbed, upper hinge just starting at the foot. An excellent copy in an attractive binding.

First edition of a sophisticated manual for young artists, several times reprinted and translated, with first edition very scarce. The largest number of Bouvier’s sequential lessons consider the grinding and mixing of oil colours, with very detailed instructions for proportions of ingredients. The large lithograph plates are equally detailed, showing grinding tools and methods, the ideal colour box, easels, brushes and a well organised palette. Pierre-Louis Bouvier (1765–1836) was one of the most gifted miniaturists of his era. ‘Pierre Louis Bouvier studied under Fabre in Geneva and Vestier in Paris. He established himself in Geneva as a miniaturist, inventing a colour-grinding machine and publishing a Young Artists' and Amateur Painters' Handbook, which became a classic and was translated into German and English. In 1828, Bouvier took over from Reverdin as director of the Geneva École de Figure, a post he held until his death. His best-known works are his portraits of Empress Josephine (private collection), Mme de Staël, Lalime the Engraver, his Self-portrait and his portrait of The Artist's Children (Geneva) and the portrait of John Rocca (Geneva)’ (Benezit).