NEUFFORGE, Jean François de. - Lot 94

NEUFFORGE, Jean François de. Elementary Treatise on Architecture containing several studies of the architectural orders based on the views of the ancients and the perspectives of the moderns, various column arrangements suitable for the layout of facades, and diverse examples of exterior and interior decorations for use in sacred, public, and private monuments. Paris: Published by the Author, at the Chariot d’or, 1757–1768. Eight parts in 4 small-folio volumes (approx. 41 x 26 cm). Fauve half-basane with period corners, ribbed spine, covers lined with period marbled paper; vol. 2 with a smooth spine and different marbled paper on the covers, red edges (Spines worn with leather missing on the second volume; covers and corners rubbed; cap bands missing; most plates in excellent condition; minor, insignificant flaws throughout, including foxing and marginal water stains). A rare copy of Jean François de Neufforge’s magnum opus devoted to 18th-century neoclassical architecture. A magnificent collection of plans, elevations, and sections in which the buildings are classified in ascending order of architectural grandeur. Entirely engraved on copper, in 8 parts; our copy contains 7 engraved title pages (excluding that of Vol. IV) and 573 beautiful plates engraved in black (out of 600) illustrating ornamental furnishings, gardens, houses with floor plans, and interiors... (sometimes with text engraved on the plate). Jean François de Neufforge (1714–1791), a Flemish architect and engraver, studied under Babel in the late 1730s. Supported by the Marquis de Marigny, he undertook his magnum opus from 1755 through 1782 in booklets of 6 plates. Each plate bears the engraved signature “Composed and engraved by Deneufforge … by Royal Privilege” Volume I. Part I (1757). Engraved title page, plates 1–72; Part II (1758). Engraved title page, plates 72–144 Volume II. Part III (1760). Engraved title page, plates 145–216 (excluding plate 211); Vol. IV (1761). 46 of 72 plates (plates included: 217–259, 266, 283, and 284), excluding the engraved title page. Volume III. Part V (1763). Engraved title page, plates 289–360; Part VI (1765). Engraved title page, plates 361–432. Volume IV. Vol. VII (1767). Engraved title page, plates 433–504; Vol. VIII (1768). Engraved title page, plates 505–600. Missing are the 2 folios of the table of contents (Vol. I), 26 plates, and the engraved title page of Vol. IV; plate 211 of Vol. III; and the two supplementary volumes. Cohen, 750–751. Berlin Cat., 2410.