Lot 202
  • 202

Lesson, René Primevère

Estimate
4,000 - 6,000 USD
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Description

  • paper
Histoire naturelle des oiseaux de paradis et des épimaques. Paris: Arthus Bertrans, [1834-1835]



2 volumes, 8vo (9 x 5 1/4 in.; 228 x 134 mm). 43 fine hand-finished engraved plates in two states (one color-printed, one black-and-white, the latter making up the second volume) after P.-L. Oudart and J.-G. Prêtre by Oudet, Schmeltz, Massard, and others, all with tissue guards; some marginal spotting and light browning mostly confined to text leaves. Later dark blue straight-grain morocco, gilt-ruled and roll-tooled border with floral stamps at four corners of a blind-ruled frame, spines gilt with author and title gilt-stamped, red silk placeholders, all edges gilt; extremities rubbed, two small mends to spine of first vol. 

Provenance

Grand Duke Nicholas Mikhailovich (1859-1919, bookplate in each volume)

Literature

Ayer/Zimmer 390; Copenhagen/Anker 296; Fine Bird Books 90; McGill/Wood 433; Nissen, IVB 550; Nissen, SVB 300; Ronsil 1774

Condition

some marginal spotting and light browning mostly confined to text leaves. Later dark-blue straight-grain morocco, gilt-ruled and roll-tooled border with floral stamps at four corners of a blind-ruled frame, spines gilt with author and title gilt-stamped, red silk placeholders; extremities rubbed, two small mends to spine of first vol.
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.

Catalogue Note

First edition, an extraordinary copy with plates in two states. "A classic monograph, published in livraisons, on the Birds of Paradise" (McGill/Wood), based on the author's field observations.