Lot 08034

CHAUSSARD Pierre Jean-Baptiste, “Fêtes et Courtisanes de la Grèce. Supplément aux Voyages d’Anarchis et d’Antenor. Comprenant: 1. La Chronique religieuse des anciens Grecs, Tableau de leurs moeurs publiques; 2. La Chronique quaucuns nommeront scandaleuse, Tableau de leurs moeurs privées; 3. Un Almanach athénien; 4. La Description des danses grecques, etc. Quatrième édition revue et corrigée”, Paris, Barba, 1803. 4 volumes, in 8vo, civ, 444, [1]; 438; 383; xii, 466.

2th edition, revised and corrected, illustrated with 4 engraved frontispieces, 6 folding plates (i.a. Planisphère), 1 large folding table (Culte du Soleil), 6 plates with of music scores, and 1 full-page plate.

The prolific French writer Pierre-Jean-Baptiste Chaussard (1766-1823), art critic, poet and revolutionary politician, was influenced by the great success of the fictional historical reconstruction of the ancient Greek world by JJ Barthélemy, “Voyage du jeune Anacharsis” and the corresponding work of E.Fr. Lantier, “Antenor voyages to Greece and Asia”. He composed this sensual essay, which deals with issues of the ancient Greek religion, ancient Greek customs and traditions, holidays, dances, theatrical dialogues and a narrative about the adventures of Sappho, the important lyric poet from Mytilene.

Contemporary half calfskin, spine tooled in gilt with title and volume number on red morocco strips, marbled thick carton boards. Extensive rubbing along edges, split on front joints, hinges reinforced with cloth strips, light spotting inside.