LUTHERIE, INSTRUMENS ANCIENS et MODERNES, a CORDES et a PINCER [ORIGINAL COPPPERPLATE ENGRAVING]

Paris: David Briasson, Le Breton, and Durand, 1772. 18th Century Engraving of Lutes. Folio leaf: 16" by 10". Published between 1751 and 1780, Diderot's Encyclopedie represented the first serious attempt to categorize the various fields of human knowledge and activity. It grew out of the work of the philosophes (Rousseau, Voltaire, and others), who focused on human progress, especially in practical fields, as opposed to philosophical thought. Accompanying the Encyclopedie were superb copperplate engravings to illustrate the realms of human activity. Most of the plates were engraved by Robert Benard, who also engraved the plates for the French edition of Cook's voyages. Lutherie plate # III, displays the many forms that the lute had taken over the centuries since its beginnings in 13th century Europe. The engraving is in about very good condition: generally clean and bright, with overall light toning of the laid paper, some scattering of light brown staining in the white areas at center of page, darker toning at extremities of margins, and limited roughness along the binding edge.. Original. Single Sheet. Very Good-. Illus. by Robert Benard. Elephant Folio - over 15" - 23" tall. Fine Art Print.