SERRES (Olivier de). Lot n° 59

The agricultural theater and mesnage of the fields. Paris, Jamet Métayer, 1 July 1600. In-folio, 21,5 x 35,4 cm, 8 ff., 1004 pp., 10 ff., brown calf, gilt filets in the frame and gilt medallions of foliage in the center of the plates, spine ribbed and decorated with cold fillets and gilt fleurons (contemporary binding). Very rare" original edition (Thiébaud) of the first great French work on agronomy which is one of the major treatises of the Renaissance. Illustrated with 16 woodblock figures, a beautiful title-frontispiece engraved on metal by Mallery and eight woodcut headbands with chapters of scenes from rural life. A fine copy with large margins, preserved in its original binding, skillfully restored (headdresses, bits, corners). From the library of the Count of Billy with engraved heraldic ex-libris. Old signature in brown ink on the title. Pale wet spots and small marginal worm galleries, without gravity. Thiébaud 840 ("This first edition is the most beautiful of all").