Nègre, Charles--Luynes, Honoré T.P.J. d'Albert, duc de.

First edition, atlas volume only, 4to (360 x 270mm.), half-title, 82 (of 86?) plates and maps, comprising: 'Voyage du Duc de Luynes': 62 (of 64) numbered photogravure plates, one double-page, by Nègre after photographs by Louis Vignes, 2 unnumbered folding tinted lithographed maps, 'Voyage de M. Mauss': 18 plates, maps and plans (numbered 1-18), comprising: 2 engraved maps (one double-page), 2 tinted lithographed plans and 14 tinted lithographed views by E. Ciceri after photographs by Vignes or Sauvaire, publisher's green morocco-backed printed blue boards, [Röhricht 2824 (calling for 86 plates); not in Atabey or Blackmer]; extra-illustrations: albumen print by Louis Vignes (gravured as plate 63), and 32 photogravure proof plates before letters by nègre, including some duplicates (21 with wide-margins, 10 trimmed to plate mark), without the text volumes, lacking photogravures nos. 24 and 61 (and 2 other plates or maps?), some dampstaining and spotting, some plates slightly soiled and chipped at edges, portfolio lacking ties and somewhat worn

The 32 proof photogravures comprise nos. 1, 3 (2), 4, 6, 11, 13, 14, 16, 19, 21, 22, 27 (2), 30, 31 (3), 32, 35, 42 (2), 46, 48 (2), 49, 50, 51, 55, 57, 59 and 63; some are annotated in pencil 'Accepté 29 Sept.1867.
"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."

Very rare. In 1856 Nègre won second prize in a competition sponsored by the duc de Luynes to find the best method of mechanical reproduction of an image; despite losing to Poitevin, Nègre was chosen to produce the plates. This important expedition of 1864 travelled to Palestine, Lebanon, Syria and other parts of the Middle East. Some of the proof plates present here are annotated in pencil 'Accepté 29 Sept.1867.'