[Plate Books] (Larmessin, Nicolas de, II). Les Costumes Grotesques et les Métiers

(Paris: Nicolas de Larmessin II, ca. early 1700s). Folio. Second issue (plates without background decoration). Comprising 41 engraved plates. 19th century three-quarter green morocco over green marbled paper-covered boards, decorated in gilt, joints and spine caps likely expertly repaired; marbled endpapers; signed in gilt "Cape" at foot of spine; scattered light foxing to plates; each plate numbered in pencil at bottom. From the library of Nicolas Yemeniz (1783-1877), and with his book-plate on verso of front free endpaper. Catalogue de la Bibliothèque de M. N. Yemeniz 3157; see Colas, I 1779 (cites a date of 1690 and approximately 97 plates); Von Lipperheide 1971 (cites a date of 1695 and lists only 38 plates)

A rare suite of 41 fantastic engravings from this famed series of fanciful trade costumes. Executed in the manner of Arcimboldo, these wildly inventive images depict merchants and street vendors entirely constructed out of the tools and accoutrements of their trade or occupation. This compilation comprises the following professions: Habit de Comedien (Comedian), Habit de Vannier (Basket maker), Habit de Sauetieer (Cobbler), Habit de Masson (Mason), Habit de Monnoyeur (Coiner), Habit de Vinaigrie (Vinegar maker), Habit d'Imprimeur en Lettres (Printer), Habit de Meusnier (Miller), Hhabit de Ceinturier (Girdler), Habit de Foureur (Furrier), Habit de Rotisseur (Roaster), Habit de Tabletier (Maker of tables), Habit de Vitrier (Glazier), Habit de Boucher (Butcher), Habit de Boulanger (Baker), Habit d'Orlogeur (Clockmaker), Habit de Plumassier (Feather worker), Habit de Pescheur (Fisherman), Habit de Laboureur (Ploughman), Habit de Serrurier (Iron manufacturer), Habit de Cabaretier (Inn-keeper), Habit de Plombier (Plumber), Habit de Caffetier (Café owner), Habit de Tailleur (Tailor), Habit de Chapellier (Hatter), Habit de Remouleur Gaigne Petit (Knife grinder), Habit de Layettier (Box maker), Habit de Peigne (Comber), Habit de Sellier (Saddler), Habit de Mallettier Coffrettier (Trunk maker), Habit de Vigneron (Wine-producer), Habit de Medecin (Doctor), Habit de Fripier (Secondhand clothes dealer), Habit de Bonnetier (Hosier), Habit de Jardinier (Gardener), Habit de Marechal (Marshal), Habit de Charron (Cartwright), Habit de Cuisinier (Cook), Habit de Cartier (Playing card manufacturer), Habit de Procureur (Prosecutor), and Habit de Parfumeur (Perfumer).

The Larmessin family was a famous French dynasty of engravers, printers, and booksellers, active during the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries. The series of prints from which these plates derive has been given various titles, including Les costumes grotesques et les métiers, Costumes grotesques, or Habits des métiers et professions. Nicolas de Larmessin I (or L'Armessin) (1632-1694) designed, engraved and published approximately 62 plates in his lifetime. His widow Marie Bertrand added 14 plates from his unfinished designs, and his younger brother Nicolas II (ca.1645-1725) engraved a further 21 plates from 1695 to the 1720s. All of the prints were individually published, with re-engravings in reverse by the younger brother which often simplified these earlier designs by omitting background details. Altogether, it has been suggested that a total of 97 images were eventually issued.

These French costume engravings are incredibly rare when appearing as a large collection such as this, and seldom come to market.

This lot is located in Philadelphia.

Provenance

From the collection of Justin G. Schiller

[Plate Books] (Larmessin, Nicolas de, II). Les Costumes Grotesques et les Métiers

[Plate Books] (Larmessin, Nicolas de, II). Les Costumes Grotesques et les Métiers