Pertusier, Charles.

Atlas volume only (without the three 8vo text volumes), folio (572 x 407mm.), half-title, 25 engraved plates by Piringer after Préault, all coloured by hand and heightened with gum arabic, 4 double-page, nineteenth morocco-backed boards, [Atabey 942; Blackmer 1289; Weber, 39-40], margins slightly spotted

Condition is described in the main body of the cataloguing, where appropriate
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

A very attractive copy with fine old colouring. Although it is unusual to see copies of such books coloured in an old hand, such as this one, it is not without precedent as far as this work is concerned. There was a copy in the Atabey collection which was described as follows: "As far as we can ascertain, Pertusier's work... was produced in the uncoloured state only. The colouring in this copy would appear to be the work of an amateur, except for the use of varnish and egg-white; it is possible that it was produced under special circumstances or for presentation". In this copy however the colouring cannot be described as "the work of an amateur", it is far better, and must be considered rare in this state.

For a further image see upper endpapers of this catalogue.