Paris, A. Morel, 1862. Royal Folio (52.1 x 36.2 cm). Half-title and title page; 50 fine chromolithographed plates on thick paper. Contemporary half calf over marbled boards. Spine with five raised gilt-stippled and gilt-bordered bands, gilt title. Marbled endpapers.

A very rare and lavishly produced polychromatic work showing the extravagant interior designs which epitomize the eclectic period that bridged the gap between the rather straightforward Louis XIII to XVIII styles and neoclassicism, and the subsequent Art Nouveau and Art Deco eras. Elements of Egyptian, Roman and Islamic art are freely mixed with Biedermeier images and Rococo ornaments. It forms a truly unique display of the artistic taste of the period. However, this work is an example of the quality of French colour-printing as well: the quality of the colouring and the rendering of small details is superb. Little is known about the authors. They were peintres-décorateurs but here they show considerable skills in illustrating and printing. The periodical, Journal-Manuel de Peintures, was published by Morel from 1853 onwards and continued for at least 20 years. Being of a rather ephemeral nature, few parts with text pages are on the market. As the title suggests, this work is probably the separately published album of the full-colour plates also published in this journal. Board edges a bit rubbed, some age toning and spotting to some plate margins, but nowhere obtrusive. We could only trace two copies in libraries worldwide. In all, a very good copy of this very rare work.