Historical Art, Diderot’s Encyclopedia, Antique Prints, 18th Century, Diamantaire [Diamond Cutter]

Denis Diderot (1713-1784) and Jean Le Rond d’Alembert
Diamantaire [Diamond Cutter]
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 3/8 inch x 10 1/8 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 craft of diamond cutting.

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.