Le Bas was a French hellenist, archaeologist and translator. He travelled in mainland Greece and Asia Minor in 1843-44 (along with the painter Landron) as a member of a French governmental mission seeking for new discoveries in those areas. His extensive notes, plans and reports were delivered to the French government that was supposed to cover the expenses of their publication in 1847. However, the French revolution of 1848 postponed and finally cancelled many parts of the project. Only 40 pages of the texts and none of the views have finally been published. Several plates / views have been published after 1852 in no order, in livraisons, and with very small print run, as the government financing was withdrawn. The following views of Athens and Piraeus come from this never completed project and can be considered as extremely rare.Ladron, “ATHENES, Vue generale prise du Stade”, 30x20cm, drawn by Landron in 1843 and lithographed by Lemaitre in the 1850s. Fine early view of Athens (no plate number). EXTREMELY RARE