78 - [HISTORY - BRUGES]

[HISTORY - BRUGES] BOUSSEN, François-René (published under the auspices of) - VAN DE PUTTE, Ferdinand History of the Diocese of Bruges, published under the auspices of His Excellency Monsignor François-René Boussen, 18th Bishop of Bruges. Illustrated with portraits of all the bishops who have governed this diocese Bruges, Vandecasteele-Werbrouck, [1846–1850] Folio. Brown half-maroquin with corner pieces. Spine with 6 raised bands decorated with gilded panels and arabesques. . Front cover detached, scuffed, and with a small loss on the spine. Scattered stains and foxing. First edition and first printing of this monumental work devoted to the ecclesiastical history of the Diocese of Bruges, published in collaboration with the historian Ferdinand Van de Putte. The remarkable iconography consists of an ornate frontispiece and 19 superb lithographed portraits of prelates, created by the Bruges painter and draftsman Joseph-Gislenus Canneel. A very complete copy with all plates. References: De Seyn, II, 995; Van der Helle Catalog, 2144 Provenance: from the library of Philippe Kervyn of Volkaersbeke (ex-libris)