A Historic Three-Volume Set of the Bible (Old Testament) in French – Vulgate Translation by...
A deluxe exemplary edition (Nouvelle Édition) of the Latin Vulgate translation by Louis-Isaac Lemaistre (known as "Monsieur de Sacy"), long considered the most elegant and influential French translation of the Bible.
The great distinction of this edition lies in its series of magnificent artistic steel engravings (Gravures sur acier) woven throughout, depicting familiar biblical scenes and narratives — such as Noah's Ark, the Tower of Babel, and others — with exceptional precision and drama. The engravings are protected by their original tissue/silk interleaving pages.
Technical Specifications and Pagination:
The edition was printed in the large and prestigious In-4 (quarto) format, with the text set in two columns.
The set is entirely complete and features continuous pagination across the first volumes:
• Volume I (Tome I): 304 pages.
• Volume II (Tome II): pages 305 to 647 (direct continuation of Volume I).
• Volume III (Tome III): 620 pages (concluding section).
Binding Type and Spine:
The books are bound in a classic period half-leather binding ( Demi-reliure). The spine is of genuine leather with gilt decorations and stampings ( Dos cuir à motifs dorés), while the front and rear boards are covered in marbled paper ( Marbled paper).
The inside of the covers likewise features matching marbled paper doublures, as was customary in the 19th century ( Contreplats jaspés). The book includes a fascinating piece of historical evidence in the form of an antique bookplate bearing the symbol of a royal crown or noble family.
27 cm.
3.12 kg.
Condition Report:
• The interior of the books is preserved in good condition for their age; the text pages and all of the copperplate engravings are complete, entirely sharp, and physically present, with light age staining (foxing / rousseurs) very characteristic of the paper type of the period and not affecting the text.
• The set is complete but requires light binding restoration. In Volume I, both the front and rear boards are detached from the text block. In Volume III, the front board is detached. The text block itself (the page block) is stable, complete, and not disbounded.
Estimate
Reserve
Time, Location
Auction House
A deluxe exemplary edition (Nouvelle Édition) of the Latin Vulgate translation by Louis-Isaac Lemaistre (known as "Monsieur de Sacy"), long considered the most elegant and influential French translation of the Bible.
The great distinction of this edition lies in its series of magnificent artistic steel engravings (Gravures sur acier) woven throughout, depicting familiar biblical scenes and narratives — such as Noah's Ark, the Tower of Babel, and others — with exceptional precision and drama. The engravings are protected by their original tissue/silk interleaving pages.
Technical Specifications and Pagination:
The edition was printed in the large and prestigious In-4 (quarto) format, with the text set in two columns.
The set is entirely complete and features continuous pagination across the first volumes:
• Volume I (Tome I): 304 pages.
• Volume II (Tome II): pages 305 to 647 (direct continuation of Volume I).
• Volume III (Tome III): 620 pages (concluding section).
Binding Type and Spine:
The books are bound in a classic period half-leather binding ( Demi-reliure). The spine is of genuine leather with gilt decorations and stampings ( Dos cuir à motifs dorés), while the front and rear boards are covered in marbled paper ( Marbled paper).
The inside of the covers likewise features matching marbled paper doublures, as was customary in the 19th century ( Contreplats jaspés). The book includes a fascinating piece of historical evidence in the form of an antique bookplate bearing the symbol of a royal crown or noble family.
27 cm.
3.12 kg.
Condition Report:
• The interior of the books is preserved in good condition for their age; the text pages and all of the copperplate engravings are complete, entirely sharp, and physically present, with light age staining (foxing / rousseurs) very characteristic of the paper type of the period and not affecting the text.
• The set is complete but requires light binding restoration. In Volume I, both the front and rear boards are detached from the text block. In Volume III, the front board is detached. The text block itself (the page block) is stable, complete, and not disbounded.
Estimate
Reserve
Time, Location
Auction House
