MARTINET, HISTOIRE DES OISEAUX, PEINTS DANS TOUT LEURS ASPECTS. PARIS: CHEZ L'AUTEUR, 1787-[1790?]

5 volumes, 8vo (195 x 123mm.), engraved allegorical titles in volume 1 and 2, printed title in volume 2 and 4 (title in volume 4 reading "tome premier"), half-title in volume 4, 2 hand-coloured engraved allegorical plates, 232 hand-coloured engraved ornithological plates (some on pale blue paper, one plate duplicated), contemporary mottled calf, spines gilt in compartments, bookplates removed, rear cover of volume 5 becoming detached; sold as a periodical not subject to return

Nissen IVB 598

Condition is described in the main body of the catalogue, 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."

FIRST EDITION OF MARTINET'S BEAUTIFULLY ILLUSTRATED ORNITHOLOGY. Martinet had an illustrious career as designer and engraver of ornithological plates for many of the most beautiful eighteenth-century French works on the subject. His plates appear in such important works as Brisson's Ornithologia 1760, Buffon's Histoire Naturelle des Oiseaux, 1770-1786, as well as for Diderot's Encyclopedie.