OSTERVALD. - Lot 94

OSTERVALD. Nouveau voyage pittoresque de la France, orné de trois cent soixante gravures exécutées sur des dessins fait d'après nature... A Paris, chez Ostervald l'Ainé, 1817. 2 volumes in-4 (of 3), VIII pp. 118 pl. ; [2] ff. 115 pl. contemporary red half-basin with corners, smooth spine, gilt title and tomaison (slight rubbing, hinges split, foxing, a few leaves oxidized, marginal defects including tears without lack). 233 beautiful etchings, steel-engraved in black mainly by Jérôme Baugean, illustrating picturesque views of France from compositions by Bence, Bourgeois, Chapuy, Baugean or Goblain..., published in 61 issues here bound. Large margins (ca. 31 x 23 cm). Each plate is accompanied by a text. A work symbolic of Romanticism and the advent of the Gothic revival. "This publication and its success encouraged the Minister of the Interior, Decazes, to ask the prefects for a report on the interesting monuments in their department, in order to protect them, as it was realized that countless Gothic monuments had been bought by Englishmen, who had transported them to their country".