Le Roy, Julien David

First edition, 2 parts in one volume, folio (565 x 399mm.), 60 engraved plates by Le Bas, Littret de Montigny, de Neufforge and Patte after Le Roy, those in part I being views, those in part II being measured plans and elevations, contemporary mottled calf, spine gilt, binding very slightly rubbed

Sefik E. Atabey, book label, sale in these rooms, 29 May 2008, lot 703

Atabey 709; Blackmer 1009

the condition of this lot is as described in the catalogue description
"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 fine copy. This work introduced to Western Europe the architecture of classical Athens and remained a major source of inspiration for the Greek style for many years. Le Roy visited Greece in 1754 and achieved publication in advance of the first volumes of Stuart and Revett's The Antiquities of Athens (see lot 130), which appeared in 1762. By his own admission, strict accuracy of illustration was not Le Roy's main aim, and he was particularly keen to include accounts of his travels in Greece in order to avoid any monotony of description in the textual descriptions of the plates, as well as to convey, very much in accord with contemporary French taste, the soul of the most beautiful of the ruined monuments.