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206 - [17th-century geometry manuscript] – SAUVEUR (Joseph). Treat…
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Estimate €800 - €1,200
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Description
[17th-century geometry manuscript] – SAUVEUR (Joseph). Treatise on Proportions and Geometry. Treatise on Fortification. A very fine calligraphic manuscript, richly illustrated with original watercolours from the lectures of the mathematician Joseph Sauveur (1653–1716), tutor to the children of France. [c. 1690]. In-4 volume (230 x 182 mm), Brown calfskin, ribbed spine decorated with a red morocco patch and panels adorned with small gilt metal fittings. Late 17th-century binding. Written in brown ink, 1 blank folio, 20 folios, 7 folios, 61 folios, 2 blank folios, 69 folios. 33 pages of watercolour drawings, including one diagrammatic plate. Leather slightly faded, extensive repairs to spine, corners and edges, endpapers replaced. Some foxing. An important and beautiful manuscript illustrated with 33 very finely coloured plates detailing standard fortification plans, including one plan of a fortification system and a very large number of geometric drawings executed in the margins. Comprising two treatises by Joseph Sauveur (1653–1716), professor of mathematics at the Collège de France, who was elected to the Academy of Sciences in 1696, where Vauban joined him in 1699. The work was most likely written and illustrated by one of his students, based on his lectures at the Collège de France. It is divided into two treatises: The first, on proportions and geometry, was largely published by Le Blond in 1754 with a eulogy of Sauveur by De Fontenelle. The second, unpublished treatise deals with fortifications. Le Blond mentions it in his preface (p. Xi, 1754) and notes the existence of several manuscript copies. Today, a dozen are known to exist, including a folio volume, held at the National Library, dating from 1720, entitled ‘Treatise on Fortifications. On the art of fortifying… places…”, comprising just 68 pages, and bearing the note “drawn by… the Marquis de Charleval; explained by Sieur d’Armancourt”. Another, dated 1714, bears the later inscription “By Mr de Vauban”. Finally, nine other manuscripts that are largely identical, some without plates, others with 31 or 36 plates, held at the Historical Service of the Ministry of Defence in Vincennes. Provenance: handwritten bookplate in black ink on the title page. Several signatures on the flyleaf at the beginning. In very good condition.
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About the sale Fine antique and collectible books, manuscripts and modern illustrated works
Auction location
Auction time 06/29/2026 at 2:00 PM
Pictures credits: Contact the Auction House
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