GERANIOLOGIA seu Erodii, Pelargonii, Geranii, Monsoniae et Grieli Historia Iconibus Illustrata de L'HERITIER DE BRUTELLE, Charles-Louis - 1787

Paris: Pierre-François Didot, 1787. A superb complete set of the original 44 plates of Geraniologia (no title leaf), all very bright and clean without foxing or other marks, they are in their original uncoloured state and printed on wove paper. Because they have never been bound, the edges are all uncut, the sheets measuring approxing 355mm x 535mm. To find a set in such clean condition in untrimmed state is exceptional. A few of the later plates are a little worn/creased to the margins, plate 41 is a little more creased at the top, just affecting the plate impression. The title page is not present in this set but a facsimile has been expertly let into the front panel of the Solander box. This is a superb production, finished in green buckram and inlaid with panels of red morocco to the spine and front board, which are stamped in gilt. The edges are finished in mauve cloth and the box lined with acid-free paper; the plates are protected within a folding card casing. This rare portfolio contains some of Redoute's best early work. L'Heritier took great interest in and helped guide the careers of both Pierre Joseph Redouté and James Sowerby, both important botanical artists. In this present work, six plates are based on paintings by Sowerby, while thirty-one are after Redoute (The other artists involved being Claude Aubriet, Louis Freret, B. Pernotin and S. Taylor).. L'Heritier chose to leave the plates uncoloured, because he felt that "if his engravings were coloured, much of the sharpness and precision would be lost. The plates by Sowerby and Redoute are particularly fine, and provide us with an example of the early work of these two botanical illustrators, when they were still under the influence of the great French tradition established by Robert" (An Oak Spring Flora). Due to the outbreak of the French Revolution, the Geraniologia was never finished and was finally published in ca 1792, but the text was never published. References: An Oak Spring Flora 57; Nissen BBI 1188; Stafleu TL2 4494; Great Flower Books, p.65; Hunt Redouteana 10. Please contact for further details. First Edition. Hardcover. Fine/No Dust Jacket. Illus. by Redoute, Pierre-Joseph, et al. Folio. Book, Fine Art Print.