Russia
LE PRINCE, J[ean]-B[aptiste] (artist).
[Oeuvres. A collection of plates].
[Basan, Paris, ca. 1800?]. 4to (28.8 x 20.5 cm). 71 engraved plates, including 8 engraved titles and 7 aquatints, the rest being etchings, most of them signed and dated in the plate; occasional light spotting, slight browning at edges. 19th-c. black half calf over marbled boards, spine gilt with 5 raised bands, green morroco label lettered in gilt to one; neatly repaired at hinges and extremities.
FINE COLLECTION OF FRENCH PRINTS ON RUSSIAN HABITS AND COSTUMES. The painter and engraver Jean-Baptiste Le Prince (1734-1781), who was a pupil of Francois Boucher, was 'one of the most charming artists of the eighteenth century, showing finesse, originality and distinction' (Benezit). These attractive plates live up to this description and, as in his entire work, represent here almost exclusively Russian subjects. They include the following complete suites: - Divers ajustements et usages de Russie - 10 plates - 2eme suite (and 3eme suite) de cris et divers marchands de Russie - twice 6 plates - Divers habillements (and 2eme suite d'habillements) des femmes de Moscovie - twice 6 plates - Habillements de diverses nations - 6 plates. Colas states that Le Prince created many costume plates of Russia, which were sold as sets or singly: it was up to the individual owner to make up his own collection as here. Indeed, the plates are randomly ordered and next to the complete series they also include views like 'Vue des environs de St. Petersbourg' (2 plates) or scenes like 'La vertu au cabaret'. The plates are dated 1764-1774 but the wove paper used would suggest an impression of the early 19th century. Colas 1838-50.
Price: £ 4000
US Dollar Price: $ 7940
Stock Number: 72070