[Rarebooks] FS: Diderot Plates of Mirror Makers in 18th Century France

[Joslin Hall Rare Books]

TITLE: "Miroitier Metteur au Teint" (&) "Miroitier"

Published in Paris: ca 1770.

DISCUSSION: The “Encyclopedie, ou dictionnaire raisonne des sciences, des
arts et des métiers” ("Encyclopedia, or a systematic dictionary of the
sciences, arts, and crafts") was one of the greatest achievements of
scholarship and literature in the late 18th century world. Published in
France under the editorship of Denis Diderot between 1751 and 1772, with
additions until 1780, Diderot once explained that "All things must be
examined, debated, investigated without exception and without regard for
anyone's feelings." Of course this was not a universally popular sentiment
in late 18th century France, and the book was officially banned by the
King in 1759. Officially banned or not, work continued quite openly, and
in the end the ‘Encyclopedie’ presented a marvelous overview of human
knowledge at the time. Among the most valuable articles were those
discussing, explaining and illustrating the crafts and trades, complete
with views of workshop interiors, tools and manufacturing methods. Many
scholars also give the ‘Encyclopedie’ credit for helping to introduce and
popularize philosophies of egalitarianism which would help lead to the
French Revolution, but that’s a topic for anther day.

This is an exceptionally interesting Diderot 'Encyclopedie' section,
illustrating the art of mirror makers. The plates include several workshop
interiors, one illustrating the metallic backing being poured on and
buffed, the other showing the plates being sized, polished and stacked.
There are also several plates illustrating the various tools of the
mirror-makers craft.

DESCRIPTION: Disbound. 10"x16", 2 pages of text plus 8 engraved plates.

CONDITION NOTES: Some minor soil and light wear. Disbound, but otherwise
good.

PRICE: $150 -

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Fine books of the 16th-20th centuries
on the decorative and fine arts & design

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