[Carmontelle, Louis Carrogis]

First edition, folio (530 x 390mm.), engraved plan and 17 views (numbered 1-XVIII), contemporary half calf over papered boards, old label on upper cover with manuscript title, a few text leaves and plates lightly browned, extremities rubbed

Condition is described in the main body of the cataloguing, where appropriate.
"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."

The park was established by Phillippe d'Orléans, duc de Chartres, a cousin of Louis XVI, fabulously wealthy, and active in court politics and society. In 1769 he had begun purchasing land  for a park and in 1778, employed the writer and artist Louis Carrogis Carmontelle to design the gardens, which were completed in 1779. They contained a miniature Egyptian pyramid, a Roman colonnade, antique statues, a pond of water lilies, a Turkish tent, a farmhouse, a Dutch windmill, a temple of Mars, a minaret, an Italian vineyard, an enchanted grotto, and "a gothic building serving as a chemistry laboratory," as described by Carmontelle. In addition to the follies, the garden featured servants dressed in oriental and other costumes, and exotic animals, such as camels.