Charles Louandre (text), Claudius Ciappori (illustrations), Hangarrd-Maugé (lithographer) -Les Arts Somptuaires. Histoire du costume et de l'ameublement et des Arts et Industries... - 1857/1858

Four volumes bound in three. Two vols of text in one (248 + 280 pages, two chromolithos frontispieces) . A remarkable work of scholarship, which helped making clothing part of the, er, fabric of history. Then first volume of plates (5th to 14th century- 16 pages + 158 plates in mono or chromo (complete) ; second volume of plates (15th to 17th century) , with 164 mono or chromo plates. Superb set. Perhaps 15 plates out of more than 300 has very slight toning, but this does not affect the colour. This publication with a total of 324 colour plates was a milestone in the history of chromolithographic printing and publishing. At least 15 lithographers were employed in the process which ran from 1852 till 1858. Among them Emile Beau, Racinet (father & son) , the Thurwangers, Franz Kellerhoven. "Les Arts somptuaires was an outstanding publication for its time by virtue of its scale, and also because its use of coated paper for the plates allowed the inks to sparkle on the page '' ( see M. Twyman, "History of Chromolithography", page 158) . What a joy to behold. A truly sparkling copy. In full red morocco with dishes decorated with ornate gilt decorations (frames, fleurons, floral motifs, inner dentelles) , spectacular binding by Hardy (celebrated binders Hardy-Menil, active from 1850?
-1880?) . See Gustave Brunet, "La Reliure ancienne et moderne", Paris, 1884. What historical scholarship ever as well presented? Please enjoy the spectacular images. . .