Nouveaux Tableaux de Paris.

Marlet was a French artist specializing in large historical scenes. He was also one of the first artists to use lithography. This work was something of a departure in subject matter for him, tending to the vernacular and humorous or, as the terminal sheet explains, "Folly discovering the truth." Complete sets of this 4to version have strong auction records, fetching 8610 euro in 2020 and 7637 euro in 2004.This is a selection of 30 of the original 72 colored lithographed plates, bound with accompanying text. The work was apparently issued in parts, so there is no title page for the full collection. Tipped in to the back of this gathering is a b/w lithograph (truncated) by Maret announcing publication of the 12th (and final) group of lithographs. A second sheet announces monthly delivery of parts, each composed of six tableaux with text, with prices for plain or colored versions, who the artists were, and where copies could be obtained. Plates show varying degrees of foxing; two plates have closed tears at top of sheet. Bound in half morocco over marbled boards.. Oblong 4to, 34 cm. Unpaginated. 30 colored lithographs with text opposite. (Inventory #: 48092)