BOCCACCIO, Giovanni (1313-1375) - Il Decamerone. London [I.E. Paris]: [Prault], 1757.   An fine and elegant edition of Boccaccio finely illustrated by plates engraved by Gravelot, Boucher, Cochin and Eisen. Boccaccio is considered Gravelot's masterpiece, which excels both in gallant subjects and in animated scenes. The figures in the first proofs present a much higher rendering and are the peculiarity of the Italian edition; two of them were replaced in the French edition of the same year. Hubert-François Bourguignon, commonly known as Gravelot (1699-1773), was a renowned French engraver and illustrator. Born in Paris, he emigrated to London in 1732, where he quickly became a central figure in introducing the Rococo style into British design.   5 volumes, 8vo (206 x 125mm). Engraved frontispiece with the author's portrait, 5 engraved titles, engraved headpieces, 110 fine engraved plates (very occasional light foxing). Contemporary marbled calf, triple gilt fillet on covers, gilt decorations and title on spines, gilt decorated dentelle, gilt edges, marbled endpapers (light rubbing especially to joints). Provenance: armorial bookplates of a Prince awarded the Order of the Garter on endpapers - monograms on the verso of the plates. (5)

Estimate € 1,000 - 1,500

Sold € 900