Picart, Bernard

4 volumes, folio (15 3/8 x 9 3/4 in.; 392 x 248 mm). Half-titles, 4 engraved headpieces, 264 engraved plates, 6 of which double-page, 35 folding, by and after Picart and others, duplicate final text leaf in vol. II; some foxing, minor offsetting, some toning, marginal dampstaining (vol. II and III). Contemporary French blue half morocco over paper-covered boards, spines with wide semi-raised bands in six compartments, bands decorated with gilt rolls and flanked by gilt fillets, the second and fourth compartments gilt-lettered, others with repeat overall decoration in gilt, marbled endpapers; overall rubbed, corners bumped, some joints just starting.

Brunet I, 1743; Sabin 4932

4 volumes, folio (15 3/8 x 9 3/4 in.; 392 x 248 mm). Half-titles, 4 engraved headpieces, 264 engraved plates, 6 of which double-page, 35 folding, by and after Picart and others, duplicate final text leaf in vol. II; some foxing, minor offsetting, some toning, marginal dampstaining (vol. II and III). Contemporary French blue half morocco over paper-covered boards, spines with wide semi-raised bands in six compartments, bands decorated with gilt rolls and flanked by gilt fillets, the second and fourth compartments gilt-lettered, others with repeat overall decoration in gilt, marbled endpapers; overall rubbed, corners bumped, some joints just starting.
The lot is sold in the condition it is in at the time of sale. The condition report is provided to assist you with assessing the condition of the lot and is for guidance only. Any reference to condition in the condition report for the lot does not amount to a full description of condition. The images of the lot form part of the condition report for the lot provided by Sotheby's. Certain images of the lot provided online may not accurately reflect the actual condition of the lot. In particular, the online images may represent colours and shades which are different to the lot's actual colour and shades. The condition report for the lot may make reference to particular imperfections of the lot but you should note that the lot may have other faults not expressly referred to in the condition report for the lot or shown in the online images of the lot. The condition report may not refer to all faults, restoration, alteration or adaptation because Sotheby's is not a professional conservator or restorer but rather the condition report is a statement of opinion genuinely held by Sotheby's. For that reason, Sotheby's condition report is not an alternative to taking your own professional advice regarding the condition of the lot.

A fine copy of this fascinating survey of the religious ceremonies of the worldA beautifully illustrated work with images that were adapted by Picart and others from various sources, including (in volumes I and II) about 30 plates taken from the famous illustrations in de Bry's description of life in the Americas. Volume II also includes an important series of 15 plates offering a contemporary picture of the life and ceremonies of Jews in Europe. This work is based on Picart's 'Ceremonies et coutumes religieuses de tous les peuples du monde' published in Amsterdam between 1723 and 1743 and, according to the title, includes all the plates that appear in the earlier work. The text for this edition appears to have been so extensively rewritten and improved by Poncelin de La Roche-Tilhac, the editor, that it almost amounts to a new and separate work.