Historical Art, Diderot’s Encyclopedia, Antique Prints, 18th Century, Boursier [Purse Maker]

Denis Diderot (1713-1784) and Jean Le Rond d’Alembert
Boursier [Purse Maker]
from Encyclopédie, ou Dictionnaire raisonné des sciences, des métiers et des arts
Book of engravings bound in original 18th Century section with brown paper covers
Three 15 1/2 inch x 10 inch plates
$250

Remarkable reference book containing plates that accompanied Diderot’s “Encyclopedia,” a landmark work of the Enlightenment that depicted the tools and methods of artisans and tradespeople in a methodical and thorough way. This book shows the tools and manufacture of wallets and purses.

Condition: Prints generally very good with the usual light toning, wear, soiling, softcreases. Some edges lightly bumped, chipped or worn. Covers in similar condition, sometimes generally showing a little more wear than prints. Light brown stain in extreme lower left corner of some plates but does not intrude on image; can be easily matted out.