Prévost, Jean-Louis

Collection des fleurs et des fruits, peints d'après nature ... avec un discours d'introduction sur l'usage de cette collection dans les arts et les manufactures, suivi d'un précis historique sur l'art de la broderie ... par P. M. Gault-de-Saint-Germain.  Paris: Defer, [ca. 1805]



Never bound as a volume, but with minute sewing holes from original issue in wrappers (now lost), (21  1/2  x 14 in.; 540 x 355 mm).  Half-title, title, table of plates, 12 leaves of text, 48 magnificent stipple-engraved plates, printed in colors and finished by hand, after Prévost by L. C. Ruotte; small MHS inked stamp on plates, some leaves with minor wear and soiling at edges, light dampstaining to plate 1, small repairs to lower margins of plates 3, 22 and 47, light spotting to plates 6 and 8, lower right margin of plate 26 chipped.  Modern buckram folding-case. 

Dunthorne 229; Great Flower Books p. 71; Nissen, BBI 1568; Oak Spring Flora 65; Stafleu & Cowan TL2 8319

Never bound as a volume, but with mMinute sewing holes from original issue in wrappers (now lost), (21 1/2 x 14 in.; 540 x 355 mm). Half-title, title, table of plates, 12 leaves of text, 48 magnificent stipple-engraved plates, printed in colors and finished by hand, after Prévost by L. C. Ruotte; small MHS inked stamp on plates, some leaves with minor wear and soiling at edges, light dampstaining to plate 1, small repairs to lower margins of plates 3, 22 and 47, light spotting to plates 6 and 8, lower right margin of plate 26 chipped. Modern buckram folding-case.
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.

One of the greatest early nineteenth-century French flower books, and also one of the earliest stipple-engraved and color-printed books produced, contemporary with the work of Redouté.  "The book was compiled to assist designers of china, toiles and chintzes and is not primarily botanical in intention.  The most striking plates show several different flowers grouped together in a bouquet; but though the arrangements may appear artificial, and the flowers doubtfully matched as to season, the drawing is accurate and the observation exact" (Blunt in Great Flower Books).  Blunt went on to declare the Collection "at least the equal to Redouté."

The work was issued in 12 fascicles of 4 plates each in either plain or colored state.  While this copy and the Oak Spring Garden Library copy bear the imprint of Defer, the de Belder/Peter J. Sharp copy was issued by Gillé.

"The forty-eight plates ... comprise a pleasantly varied series of floral bouquets, and arrangements of soft fruits on plates.  Each work is skillfully composed and imbued with a transparent luminosity, culminating in the iridescent drops of water that seem about to roll off the leaves" (Oak Spring Flora).