LA FONTAINE (Jean de). Lot n° 78

Fables choisies. Paris, Desaint & Saillant, Durand, 1755-1759. 4 volumes in-folio, red morocco, triple gilt fillet, fleurons at the corners, spine decorated, inner lace, gilt edges (pastiche binding). First edition of the magnificent and very famous illustration by the painter Jean-Baptiste Oudry, including a frontispiece and 275 figures out of text drawn by him, retouched for the engraving by Cochin and engraved on copper by the best artists of the time. The text is embellished with vignettes and floral or allegorical culs-de-lampe engraved on wood by Le Sueur and Papillon after the compositions of the flower painter Jean-Jacques Bachelier. The typographical part was entrusted to Charles-Antoine Jombert. "One of the most ambitious and successful of all illustrated books" (Ray). The engraving of The Monkey and the Leopard is before the words The Leopard on the Banner, a sign of the first printing of the proofs. Leaves and plates slightly yellowed, a few scattered spots and freckles; in volume III, repaired break in title, ink stain on edge. Cohen, 548 - Ray, n°5 - Rochambeau, Fables, n°86 - Des livres rares, n°207.