Jean-Toussaint MERLE. Description historique et... Lot 39

Jean-Toussaint MERLE. Description historique et pittoresque du Chateau de Chambord, offert par la France à S.A.R. Mgr le Duc de Bordeaux. Dédiée aux communes de France par MM. Merle et Périé, ornée de gravures, de plans et de cartes. [Paris], Imprimerie de P. Didot l'aîné, s.d. [1821]. 1 volume in-folio of 2 ff. n. ch. (faux-titre on cream paper and title on white paper, each presenting a lithographed vignette, under serpents), 33 pp. printed on paper of different colors (green, blue, pink, cream), with 3 lithographed vignettes under serpents; followed by 11 lithographed plates (including 2 plans) on tinted background and colored papers, with hand-colored highlights. Cherry half-maroquin, smooth spine decorated with gilt garlands and fleurons, green vellum corners, printed cover preserved. UNIQUE EDITION OF THIS BEAUTIFUL ALBUM, PRODUCED AT THE TIME OF THE NATIONAL SUBSCRIPTION IN FAVOR OF THE DUC DE BORDEAUX, FUTURE COMTE DE CHAMBORD. One of the rarest copies printed on colored paper: the various parts of the text are printed on green, cream, pink and blue paper, as are the engraved plates, all enhanced by hand. The titles and chapter headings are also illuminated in brilliant colors, making this copy quite exceptional, if not unique: no other copy on colored paper with highlights is referenced. Eleven engraved plates and plans, drawn by Fragonard, Périé, Villeneuve, Dupré and Desmadryl.some rubbing to the boards, corners slightly dulled, otherwise a very fresh copy, with no spotting, restorations or defects. Four copies referenced in public institutions: Bibliothèque nationale de France, Archives départementales du Loir-et-Cher, Bibliothèque de l'INHA and Fonds d'Archéologie Jacques Doucet. No known copies on contemporary colored paper and highlights.