Festival Book. Description des Fetes données par la ville de Paris, à l'occasion du mariage de Madame Louise-Elisabeth [..]

Description des Fetes données par la ville de Paris, à l'occasion du mariage de Madame Louise-Elisabeth de France, & de Dom Philippe, Infant & Grand Amiral d'Espagne.

Paris, P.G. Le Mercier, 1740

Beautiful first edition, magnificently illustrated. The work describes the sumptuous festivities, likely the most spectacular of the 18th century, were held before the young Dauphine left France to be officially married to Philip in Spain. A large number of architects and craftsmen, led by Jean-Nicolas Servan, designed and built the decorations. Millard: “The illustrations show the entire spectacle on the Seine between the Pont-Neuf and the Pont Royal as follows: the structure for the fireworks on the Pont-Neuf and the new terrace; the octagon 'island' for the musicians designed by Jean-Jerome Servandoni in the centre of the Seine; the eight marine 'monsters' surrounding the island; a plan of the superstructures built along the banks of the Seine to accommodate the viewers; and the Throne Loge in the form of a canopy attached to the Louvre, in which the royal couple could view the spectacle. In addition, the water jousting and floating illuminations and the ball given at the Hôtel de Ville for the couple are described”. The plates are engraved by Jacques-François Blondel on drawings by the architects who designed the celebration apparatus; particularly spectacular is the plate number 9, on a double page, which shows the fireworks over the river.

Berlin 3012; Cicognara 1507; Cohen-De Ricci 288; Millard French 26; Vinet 519; Watanabe 2078; Ruggieri n° 570.

In-plano volume. 640x480 mm. Attractive contemporary marbled calf binding with the coat of arms of the city of Paris in the center of the covers; on the covers framing a gilt roulette with lily flowers in the corners, spine with raised nervs with gilt lilies, internal roulette and gilt edges, marbled endpapers. Pages 2 with the Title-page, 22. Large vignette at the Title-page engraved by Soubeyran based on a drawing by Bouchardon, illustrated head-piece drawn and engraved by Rigaud, 13 large plates drawn by Blondel, Gabriel, Salley, Servandoni and engraved in copper by J.-F. Blondel, of which 8 are double-page. Binding with significant repairs to the spine, corners, and edges. On the covers, light marks and small scuffs. Light signs of handling in the margins, a few foxing spots; the plate of the "general view" has tears along the central fold (approx. 12 cm).

A fine copy in its original binding adorned with the coat of arms of the city of Paris.