Beschreibung:

CROZE-MAGNAN, Simon-Célestin (1750-1818). Le Musée français, recueil complet des tableaux, statues et bas-reliefs, qui composent la collection nationale. Paris: Imprimerie de L.E. Hernan [vol. IV: Paris, Impr. de Mame frères], 1803-1809. First edition of Croze-Magnan’s colossal tribute to art in the age of Napoleonic cultural imperialism. The first eight parts (of 80 total) were entitled Le Musée Napoléon, and all four volumes are dedicated to the man who had recently added so many trophies of war to the Louvre's treasures. Each livraison included a few plates of each different types of artwork—and the Avertissementpoints out that subscribers may arrange and bind the plates and explanatory text according to personal preference, curating their own personal museum. The best documentation of the holdings of the Musée du Louvre during the age of Napoleon. Cohen-de Ricci 743; Vicaire V, 1229. Four volumes, folio (574 x 420mm). Engraved title vignettes, 344 engraved plates by P. Laurent and numerous others, vignettes in text. Half-titles. Contemporary dark purple morocco gilt with large gilt Napoleonic eagle at the center of each board, edges gilt (rebacked). Provenance: Arthur Philip Lloyd (1833-1893; Leaton Knolls bookplate). Please note this lot is the property of a private individual.