BRISEUX (Charles-Étienne).

Traité du beau essentiel dans les Arts, appliqué particulièrement à l'Architecture, et démontré phisiquement [sic] et par l'expérience. Paris, Chez l'Auteur, Chéreau, 1752. 2 volumes large in-4, marbled calf, lace fleudelisée, fleur-de-lis gilded in the corners, royal coat of arms in the center, spine decorated, crowned figure repeated, title and greement pieces (Binding of the end of the 19th century). Fowler, n°55. First edition. Beautiful work entirely engraved on copper, including for volume I a portrait of the author engraved by Jean-Georges Wille, a title, 108 pages of text and 40 engravings distributed on 36 plates, and, for volume II, a second title engraved by Liébault, 195 pages of text, a privilege leaf and 98 engravings outside or in the text or on double page. The second volume ends with 17 very beautiful pieces of interior decoration, woodwork (n°76 to 88) and ironwork (n°95 to 98), in the purest Louis XV style. The architect Charles-Étienne Briseux (1680-1754) is best known for his work as a theorist and therefore built little. In addition to this treatise on aesthetics, he also wrote a treatise on modern architecture (1728) and a treatise on the art of building country houses (1743). Monogrammed bookplates (one engraved, the other modern), undetermined. Small stains on the portrait which has a small tear at the bottom that has been repaired. Slight foxing. 19th century binding with the coat of arms of France, rubbed.