CURMER (Léon) — Les Beaux-Arts. Illustrations of the Arts an - Lot 72

CURMER (Léon) — Les Beaux-Arts. Illustrations of the Arts and Literature Large, thick volume in large quarto. Red half-shagreen binding with corner pieces; spine with raised bands richly decorated with gilded compartments featuring arabesque motifs; gilt title “Curmer - Les Beaux-Arts”; number 1 on the spine; red percaline covers. An important illustrated work devoted to the fine arts, literature, history, travel, and the sciences, characteristic of Léon Curmer’s ambitious illustrated publications of the 19th century. Extensively illustrated, featuring numerous woodcuts within the text and steel-engraved plates, some based on works by renowned artists. Subjects include maritime and naval scenes, European views—including Amsterdam—particularly elaborate allegorical compositions, and landscapes. One plate, in particular, depicts *Low Tide*, engraved by C. Geoffroy. This copy is of interest above all for the quality and abundance of its Romantic illustrations. The binding is heavily worn: significant rubbing, scuffing, and material loss on the headbands, spine, fore-edges, corners, and edges; the covers are rubbed. There is rusting throughout the volume, sometimes extensive.

Estimate:£42.24

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