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Scarce nineteenth-century French illustrated album featuring 31 engraved and lithographic views of the Palace of Versailles, its interiors, gardens and historic landmarks. Published in Paris by the Bureau des Galeries Historiques de Versailles, this attractive Victorian-era souvenir offers a fascinating visual record of one of Europe’s most celebrated royal residences and remains a desirable collectible for enthusiasts of French history, architecture and antiquarian books.
1 in stock
A scarce and attractive nineteenth-century French illustrated album devoted to the world-famous Palace of Versailles. Album des Vues Intérieures et Extérieures du Palais de Versailles presents a collection of thirty-one finely executed lithographic and engraved views depicting both the exterior splendour and interior grandeur of one of Europe’s most celebrated royal residences.
Published by the Bureau des Galeries Historiques de Versailles in Paris, this oblong-format souvenir album was produced for visitors and admirers of Versailles during the mid-nineteenth century. The plates provide a fascinating visual record of the palace, its gardens, lakes, architectural features and historical associations with the French monarchy. Scenes include panoramic views of Versailles, architectural studies, interior perspectives and more artistic representations of notable locations within the palace grounds.
The album contains a mixture of architectural and scenic illustrations, reflecting the growing nineteenth-century fascination with French history and the legacy of Louis XIV. Several plates bear the imprint of the renowned Parisian printer Lemercier, one of France’s foremost lithographic publishers of the period. The illustrations remain highly decorative and provide a remarkable glimpse into the appearance and atmosphere of Versailles during the nineteenth century.
Examples of this title are seldom encountered on the South African market and appear infrequently in the international antiquarian trade. Its combination of historical interest, decorative appeal and period production makes it an appealing acquisition for collectors of French history, architecture, travel literature, royal history and nineteenth-century illustrated books.
A charming and increasingly scarce Victorian-era Versailles souvenir album, suitable for both collectors and display.
Condition – Good
Undated oblong volume in original dark green cloth-backed boards with gilt title to upper board and blind-stamped decorative borders. Boards and cloth show moderate shelf wear, edge wear and rubbing. Complete with title page and 31 lithographic and engraved plates. Internally the plates exhibit age-related discoloration, foxing and scattered spotting throughout. Binding remains sound and the illustrations remain clear and attractive.
