De la Distribution des Maisons de Plaisance, et de la…

De la Distribution des Maisons de Plaisance, et de la Decoration des edifices en general. by BLONDEL, Jacques-François. < >
  • Another image of De la Distribution des Maisons de Plaisance, et de la Decoration des edifices en general. by BLONDEL, Jacques-François.
  • Another image of De la Distribution des Maisons de Plaisance, et de la Decoration des edifices en general. by BLONDEL, Jacques-François.
  • Another image of De la Distribution des Maisons de Plaisance, et de la Decoration des edifices en general. by BLONDEL, Jacques-François.
  • Another image of De la Distribution des Maisons de Plaisance, et de la Decoration des edifices en general. by BLONDEL, Jacques-François.
  • Another image of De la Distribution des Maisons de Plaisance, et de la Decoration des edifices en general. by BLONDEL, Jacques-François.
  • Another image of De la Distribution des Maisons de Plaisance, et de la Decoration des edifices en general. by BLONDEL, Jacques-François.
  • Another image of De la Distribution des Maisons de Plaisance, et de la Decoration des edifices en general. by BLONDEL, Jacques-François.
  • Another image of De la Distribution des Maisons de Plaisance, et de la Decoration des edifices en general. by BLONDEL, Jacques-François.

~ De la Distribution des Maisons de Plaisance, et de la Decoration des edifices en general. Paris: [J. Chardon for] Charles-Antoine Jombert, 1737-8.

2 vols, 4to (280 × 200), pp. [8], xvi, 198; vii, [1], 180, plus engraved frontispiece and 155 engraved plates (of which 57 are folding or double-page), titles in red and black. One folding plate in vol. 1 torn at fold (without loss). Otherwise very clean and fresh. Contemporary cat’s paw calf, gilt panelled spines, red edges. Spines and extremities rubbed, upper joint of vol. 2 just starting at head. Ownership inscriptions (early 19th-century) of J. L. Mackintosh, Major, Madras Artillery, later bookplates of Jean Furstenberg. A very good copy.

First edition. Blondel (1705-1774) was among the most influential French architects of his day and De la Distribution des Maisons de Plaisance provides one of the most extensive and best-illustrated accounts of Enlightenment taste in both houses and gardens with its many plates, elevations and plans. This copy is of the second issue, giving ‘rue Dauphine’ as the printer’s address, issued without half-titles or errata, but otherwise identical to the first issue of the same year.

‘As a teacher, first in his own school (1743–54) and later at the Académie Royale d’Architecture, Blondel influenced such students as the Scottish architect William (later Sir William) Chambers, best known for his Somerset House for the Royal Academy of Arts in London (1776; later replaced); the French architect Richard Mique, who did much work for Marie-Antoinette at Versailles’ (Ency. Brit.). Fowler 49.

Print this page View basket Price: £2,500.00