Mariette (Pierre-Jean). Traité des pierres gravées / Recueil des pierres gravées..., 2 vols., 1750

Mariette (Pierre-Jean). Traité des pierres gravées / Recueil des pierres gravées du Cabinet du Roy, 2 volumes, 1st edition, Paris, de l'imprimerie de l'auteur, 1750, [10 including engraved title and dedication leaves], 468 [plus 447*-448*], [2]pp.; [20 including engraved title], [135, i.e. 1-132 plus 47*, 86*& 107*], [2]ff., numerous engraved illustrations and one folding engraved plate opposite p. 124 in volume 1, minor scattered spotting, armorial bookplate of Baron Northwick to both volumes, all edges gilt, contemporary green morocco gilt, gilt-decorated spines (now browned) with red leather title and volume number labels, slightly rubbed, folio (32 x 20.5cm)

(Qty: 2)

Provenance: Patricia Milne-Henderson (1935-2018), art historian.

Further Provenance: John Rushout, 2nd Baron Northwick (1769-1859), collector and connoisseur, with his bookplate. The present work formed part of the library at Northwick Park, Gloucestershire, and Thirlestaine House in Cheltenham (the latter purchased in 1863 by Sir Thomas Philipps, the famous antiquary and bibliophile).

First edition of the earliest analytical work on engraved gems. The first part is a very detailed summary containing a history of gems, modern engravers, stones used, tools, equipment, lapidary processes, and a large important bibliography of works published on engraved gems. Volume 2 is entirely devoted to the cabinet of Louis XV.