Beschreibung:

DUC D'ORLEANS Description des Principales Pierres Gravées du Cabinet de ... le Duc d'Orleans. Paris: chez L'Abbe de la Chau, chez L'Abbe le Blond, et chez Pissot, 1780-1784. First edition, a large paper copy. Two volumes, morocco backed boards, the spines gilt lettered. 13 1/2 x 8 inches (34.5 x 21 cm); Half-title in volume II, frontispiece, 179 engraved plates of cameos and intaglios, numerous engraved head and tail-pieces, without the seven additional plates of medals. Bindings rubbed along extremities, some creased leaves with short tears in volume II, some intermittent foxing, one bird plate with a matching pencil drawing below the image, a few plates toned or repaired on the verso at an early date, bookplates. Fine engravings of the gem collection inherited by Louis Philippe Joseph, duc d'Orleans, which was sold Catherine II of Russia in 1787 and now resides in the Hermitage. C