Bibliothèque Marcel Jeanson, Deuxième Partie : Ornithologie [ Sotheby's auction catalogue, sale date: 16 June 1988 ]

Sotheby's, Monaco, auction catalogue for the sale held on 16th June 1988. Cloth, 4to,. 205 pp, numerous colour plates. 392 lots. In French. The first part of the sale, in 1987, had been devoted to works on hunting; this second part was entirely devoted to ornithology and included works by Audebert. Audubon. Baer. Beebe. Bettoni. Boitard. Bonaparte. Bouchard. Bouteille. Buc'Hoz. Brown. Brisson. Buffon. Catesby. Collaert and many more. From an advertisement for the sale: "The sale is dominated by large groups of watercolours of outstanding quality by three French artists. Nicolas Robert (1614-1685) was certainly the finest Natural History artist of the 17th Century and his work, usually watercolour on vellum, is extremely rare; this is by far the largest group of watercolours by him left in private hands. Jacques Barraband (1767-1809) is best known for his illustrations to Le Vaillant's ornithological books, examples of which are included in the sale. Some 120 of Barraband's large preparatory watercolours which are of breathtaking quality, and in superb condition. A large group of watercolours by Edouard Travies (1805-after 1866) from the 1830's for editions of LeBuffon ..is followed by a smaller group of working studies for lithographs which date from the end of the next decade and clearly show the artist's development. The sale also includes outstanding ornithological printed books from the 16th to the 19th Century." Estimates included at end of catalogue. Minor mark on front board, otherwise Near Fine in slightly yellowed dustwrapper.