Historical Art, Diderot’s Encyclopedia, Antique Prints, 18th Century, Salines [Saltworks]

Denis Diderot (1713-1784) and Jean Le Rond d’Alembert
Salines
from Encyclopédie, ou Dictionnaire raisonné des sciences, des métiers et des arts
Book of engravings bound in original 18th Century section with marbleized covers
11 plates (eight 11 1/4 inch x 8 1/4 inch single page plates, three 11 1/4 inch x 16 inch two page spreads)
$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 facilities and tools of a saltworks.

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.