1167 - [RÉTIF de LA BRETONNE, Nicolas-Edme] A Monument to the Physical and Moral Costume of the Late Eighteenth Century, or Scenes from Life, Illustrated with Figures Drawn and Engraved by Mr. Moreau the Younger, Draftsman to His Majesty’s Cabinet, and by Other Famous Artists. Neuwied on the Rhine, Typographical Society, 1789. In-f°: [2]-36-[1] pp.; 26 plates (a few pinholes, slight soiling, a few plates slightly discolored). Bradel calf with modern corners, covers of tinted laid paper, smooth spine with gilt floral decoration, red edges (scuffed, water stain on the upper cover, original cover paper and endpapers preserved). Copy with fine margins. First edition of the text written at the request of a publisher to accompany this third printing of the 26 lovely plates: 24 after Moreau the Younger and 2 after Freudenberg, “La matinée” and “La surprise,” previously published separately. “One of the most famous illustrated works of the 18th century” (Rives Childs), the “Suite of engravings illustrating the history of fashions and costume in France during the eighteenth century” (original title) was published in three parts between 1774 and 1783 and comprised 36 plates (12 based on Freudenberg and 24 based on Moreau, reproduced here from the original copper plates). The triumph of Moreau the Younger: “One would have to cite, as small masterpieces, almost all of these compositions, so gracefully, so elegantly, so skillfully executed” (Cohen). Ref. Rives Childs XXXVI. - Colas 1124 & 355. - Cohen 881. Formerly owned by Robert Beauvillain (bookplate bearing the motto “Et Beauvillain toujours il vous aime,” engraved by Jouas).