Catalog Archive
Auction 140, Lot 3

"Le Monde ou la Description Generalle de ses Quatres Parties…",

Subject: Title Pages

Period: 1660 (dated)

Publication:

Color: Hand Color

Size:
8 x 12.5 inches
20.3 x 31.8 cm
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This title page comes from the well-known history and geography series by Pierre Davity (or d'Avity), sieur de Montmartin, who was a French writer, historian and geographer. After serving in the French military, Davity decided to write an encyclopedia on the history and geography of France, which he later expanded to include all regions of the world. After his death in 1635, Davity's popular work was republished many times and expanded to six volumes, including this edition with revisions by Jean-Baptiste de Rocoles, published by Denis Bechet and Louis Billaine. This title page features miniature maps of Europe, Asia, Africa and the Americas, with four male figures representing each of the continents. A French cavalryman wearing a laurel crown fills the upper portion.

References:

Condition: B+

Lovely color with a few minor spots and some tiny abrasions in the map of Asia and below it. Trimmed close to neatlines, but still ample room for framing. There is a printer's crease at bottom right and a couple of extraneous creases that have been pressed flat. Backed with tissue.

Estimate: $275 - $350

Sold for: $200

Closed on 5/23/2012

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