DUHAMEL du MONCEAU, Henri-Louis (1700-1782) - Traité des arbres fruitiers. Paris: Saillant, Desaint, 1768.   A fine copy in an elegant contemporary binding of this renowned illustrated work dedicated to fruit trees, one of the most appreciated French botanical productions of the 18th century. The text begins by describing the appropriate methods for pruning and grafting fruit trees. Each fruit is then presented with a general description, followed by an in-depth examination of its varieties, cultivation and possible uses. The plates, notable for the finesse of their execution, were engraved on the drawings of Claude Aubriet, his pupil Madeleine Basseporte and the abbot Le Berriays, and depict in detail the fruits, branches and leaves examined. (Brunet, II, 871; Nissen, 550.   2 volumes, folio (342 x 250mm). Half-titles, engraved frontispiece in first volume, woodcut devices, 180 engraved plates (light waterstains at inner margin of the first part in the first volume, occasional browning). Contemporary mottled calf, triple gilt fillet and corners decorated with floral motifs on covers, gilt rich decorations and title on spines, gilt edges, gilt decorated dentelle, marbled endpapers (light rubbing and scuffing). Provenance: booklabel on endpaper. (2)

Estimate € 800 - 1,200

Sold € 1,700