Berlèse, Laurent, Abbé

Iconographie du genre camellia, ou description et figures des camellia les plus beau et les plus rares.  Paris: H. Cousin, [1839–] 1841–1843



3 volumes, folio (14 x 10  1/8  in.; 355 x 256 mm).  Half-titles, dedication leaf and 4 leaves of text addressed to the members of the Société Royale d'Horticulture de Paris, 300 fine engraved and stipple-engraved plates, partly handcolored and finished by hand after J.-J. Jung by Duménil, Gabriel and Oudet, under the direction of M. Cousin, printed by Rémond; small inked MHS stamp on plates, scattered foxing, spotting and browning; some dampstaining in lower margins of first half of third volume.  Half calf gilt, cloth sides, marbled endleaves; wear and rubbing, spines chipped. 

Dunthorne 30; Great Flower Books p. 50; Nissen, BBI 150;

Iconographie du genre camellia, ou description et figures des camellia les plus beau et les plus rares. Paris: H. Cousin, [1839–] 1841–1843 3 volumes, folio (14 x 10 1/8 in.; 355 x 256 mm). Half-titles, dedication leaf and 4 leaves of text addressed to the members of the Société Royale d'Horticulture de Paris, 300 fine engraved and stipple-engraved plates, partly handcolored and finished by hand after J.-J. Jung by Duménil, Gabriel and Oudet, under the direction of M. Cousin, printed by Rémond; small inked MHS stamp on plates, scattered foxing, spotting and browning; some dampstaining in lower margins of first half of third volume. Half calf gilt, cloth sides, marbled endleaves; wear and rubbing, spines chipped.
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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

First edition of the finest work ever produced on the camellia.  The highly finished plates were drawn by J.-J Jung from the varieties growing in the gardens and hothouses of Berlèse.  Little is known about this remarkable botanical artist, whose work shows the strong influence of Redouté.  In addition to this celebrated work, Jung is known to have produced some designs for the periodical Herbier général de l'amateur. 

The arrangement oif the text is peculiar: the scientific and practical monograph is printed on the lower half of the recto of each text leaf with the description of the facing plate on the upper half.  The versos of the text leaves are blank.

with: Berlèse.  Monography of the Genus Camellia, or an Essay on its Culture, Description and Classification.  Boston, 1838.