BOILEAU (Nicolas). The Works of Mr. Boileau Despréaux. New e - Lot 74

BOILEAU (Nicolas). The Works of Mr. Boileau Despréaux. New edition, with historical notes provided by the author himself and compiled by Mr. Brossette; expanded to include several pieces both by the author and relating to his works; with critical remarks and essays by Mr. de Saint-Marc. Paris, David and Durand, 1747. Five volumes in-8, contemporary red morocco bindings, triple gilt fillet on the covers, smooth spines divided into panels by gilt fillets with a gilt heraldic shell motif in each, title and volume number labels in green morocco, interior roulette, blue tabis lining and endpapers, gilt edges. Famous edition of Boileau’s works, known as the Boileau de Saint-Marc. Its elegance and pleasing format, combined with the quality of its critical apparatus and illustrations, made it the most highly regarded edition of the 18th century. The illustrations, from the first print run, consist of a portrait of Boileau engraved by Daullé after Hyacinthe Rigaud, five title fleurons and thirty-eight vignettes by Eisen—his first contribution to the book as an illustrator—22 end-piece illustrations, and six beautiful figures for *Le Lutrin*, unsigned but by Cochin. A precious copy belonging to Henri-François d’Aguesseau, Chancellor of France (1668–1751), one of the very few printed on heavy paper, bound in fine period morocco leather with the shell—the Chancellor’s principal coat of arms—embossed on the spine. “There are a few very rare copies on heavy paper” (Cohen, col. 169). “A profound scholar and remarkable jurist, Chancellor d’Aguesseau introduced significant improvements to legislation and established it on clear and solid principles; he also loved books and had assembled a large and well-curated library. His volumes bore his coat of arms or, at times, simply shells at the corners and maces on the spines” (OHR, 594). Undoubtedly in a—successful—attempt to combine elegance and simplicity in keeping with the classicism of Boileau’s century, only the shell—the principal element of the coat of arms—was gilded here on the spines of the volumes. A superb set, in pristine condition. Acquired by Émile Rossignol in 1975.

Estimation:€6,000

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