Lot 08106

CHENAVARD Antoine Marie, “Voyage en Grece et dans le Levant fait en 1843 et 1844”, Lyon, Perrin, 1858. First and only edition. Folio (50×34,5 cm), loose as issued. Brunet states that only 200 copies have ever printed. It was intended to be issued in 40 livraisons, each one with 4 plates to reach a total of 160 plates, but only the half ever appeared.

Including half-title,  title, 1 sheet “table” with list of plates until plate “LVI”, ???? Plates descriptions loose sheets, one wrapper with title “Planches et Descriptions” including 2 sheets of dedications and “Expose” pp. 9-25 and 75 (of 81) plates of which 1 folding (Troy plain).

This work impressively illustrates Chenavard’s travel in Greece during 1843-44, including splendid views from Athens, Lamia, Chalkis, Delphi, Ithaki etc. Chenavard (1787-1883) was a famous architect and archaeologist that studied at the Ecole des Beaux Arts in Paris and travelled with his friend and famous painter Etienne Rey.

Missing the second sheet list of plates, two sheets with the descriptive text for plates «ΟΟ» & «Ι» and 6 plates (the two maps, the plan of Athens and plates “LII”, “XLVIII”, “LXIV”). Atabey’s & Blackmer’s copies also not complete with 79 & 80 plates each. The plates are beautifully engraved by Dubouchet, Perret, Ruissel, Dechaud, Musson, Fugere et Seon after Chenavard and Rey.

Tape on joints between half-title & title sheets. Heavy wear (tearing & chipping) of half-title and “table” sheets.  Most of the plates in Very Fine conditions with minor exceptions: water-stain on plate II, spotting on plates II, III, VI, XXXVI, LIII, LV, marginal tear on plate V, XXIV, XXXIX, LX, LXI, worn the last “LXXV” plate, marginal corner small loss on plate XII.

Very Rare. Brunet I 1831, Atabey 230, Blackmer 334