[LA CHAU, Géraud de (n. 1750) - Gaspard Michel LE BLOND (1738-1809) - François ARNAUD] - Description des principales pierres gravées du cabinet de S.A.S. Monseigneur le duc d'Orléans, premier prince du sang. Paris: La Chau e Le Blond, 1780-84.   First edition of this impressive catalogue of the collection of ancient engraved stones kept by Louis-Philippe d'Orléans (1747-1793), then sold to Catherine II of Russia and now housed in the Hermitage. The work was supervised by the famous antiquarians Abbé Geraud de La Chau, librarian and custodian of the collection of the Duke of Orléans, and by Abbé Gaspard Michel, known as Le Blond, sub-librarian of the Mazarin College.   2 volumes, folio (313 x 195mm). Engraved portrait of the Duc d'Orléans by Augustin de Saint-Aubin after Charles Nicolas Cochin, title vignette to each volume, engraved head-pieces by Saint-Aubin after Cochin, 55 culs-de-lampe by Saint-Aubin, 179 plates divided as follows: first volume with plates numbered 1-97 and 35*, 35**, 39*, 39**, 78*, second volume 1-76 with 2*, half-title to second volume (light foxing and staining, occasional browning). Contemporary speckled calf, gilt-decorated spine, title on antique label and volume number on modern label, marbled endpapers (rebacked, with restorations and some wear, reinforced joints). Sometimes there are also 7 additional plates with medals that are not present in this copy. Provenance: Max Vogrich (bookplate). (2)

Estimate € 500 - 800