Suite de Planches

1750. First Edition of most, if not, all the copper engravings presumed. Full Morocco. Near Fine. Hubert Gravelot, Hyacinthe Rigaud, Robert Gardelle, Charles-Andre Van Loo, Jannet, La Tour. Also various engravers.. An interesting collection of copper engraved plates relating to Voltaire, and these mostly illustrations from his dramatic works, including "Henriade", the most represented of the works, and as so happens, one of the very few that occasionally still known by non-Voltaire scholars and that might enjoy a production in the modern era, "Tancrede", "La Princesse de Navarre", "L'Enfant Prodigue", "Socrate", "L'Orpheline de Chine", "Horace", "Nanine", "La Prude", "Semiramis", "Le Duc de Foix", etc. We believe these are without exception also copper engravings issued during Voltaire's lifetime, and all of them date to the 18th Century. The plates, we stress, were not issued as the suite here; this suite was created later, probably by or on behalf of the bibliophile whose decorative bookplate is mounted in the front -- Charles MacAllister Wilcox (1870 - 1932), who was a successful Denver business executive. all done during Voltaire's lifetime. The dramatic works include Bound by Riviere & Son in full red morocco, gilt ruling and decoration, raised bands, turn-ins. 8vo. 25 by 19.5 cm. 50 plates, including frontis, the plates done by various artists and engravers, but Hubert Gravelot is by far the most represented of the artists, with 43 of the engravings based on his artwork. Six of the plates are portrait plates, one of Voltaire, as to be expected, the others, of Louis XIV and XV, monarchs during Voltaire's lifetime, Charles XII and Peter the Great, monarchs Voltaire wrote biographies of, and of Gravelot. This makes the point, to us, that the Suite of Plates is as much a tribute to Gravelot's artistry as to Voltaire, his inspiration. And his artwork is vivid, often seething with activity and movement. Not only is he without peer among Baroque illustrators but also the perfect choice to capture the spirit of a dramatic work. The raised bands and edges of the binding have some rubbing. Offsetting of the turn-ins onto the FEPs, which we, and most, will find rather attractive. A few of the plates have an obvious jagged crease mark in their lower portion. Some light scattered soiling, including a fox mark here and there. (Inventory #: 007457)