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ALDE

226 - VOLTAIRE (François-Marie AROUET, known as).
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Estimate €3,000 - €4,000
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Description
VOLTAIRE (François-Marie AROUET, known as). Works. [Kehl], Société Typographique, 1785–1789. 92 in-8 volumes, and 2 supplements, red half-maroquin, smooth spines with volume numbers and gilt fillets, entirely untrimmed (Thouvenin). A rare copy of the Kehl edition in 92 volumes, corresponding to the in-12 edition but in in-8 format; the in-8 edition is usually in 70 volumes.  This format is mentioned only by Bengesco, who, regarding the 92-volume edition, notes that ‘a few copies, such as that held by the Bibliothèque Nationale, are in-8’. This distinctive feature of the National Library’s copy is not mentioned either in *Voltaire at the National Library* or in their current online catalogue. Given the fairly similar dimensions of this edition – particularly after trimming – and the larger in-12 sheets designed to accommodate the illustrations, it is possible that this particular feature may have escaped the attention of the authors of these catalogues. This copy is also exceptional for the richness of its illustrations; in addition to the plates by Moreau the Younger that illustrate the large-format sheets of the edition, this copy contains those from the second series executed by Moreau for Renouard, as well as additional etchings, bringing the total to 195 framed scenes by Moreau. There are also 66 portraits, mainly by Saint Aubin (44), with the others by Moreau, La Tour, Van Loo, Defraine, Tardieu, Beisson, Delvaux, Maviez, Largillierre, Fosseyeux and four unsigned or ‘avant la lettre’ portraits. The remaining illustrations consist of an engraved dedication by Moreau, a title page for his first series (addressed to him; there are also versions addressed to Saugrain), the allegorical frontispiece featuring a portrait of Frederick II in a medallion, 14 fold-out plates on physics, a map of the ‘Turkish camp’ (in the *History of Russia*), as well as a few in-text illustrations in the *Philosophical Dictionary* (geometry, music).  The illustrations from the various sets have been harmoniously distributed throughout the volumes; it is highly interesting to observe the evolution in Moreau’s treatment of the same subject between the 1780s and 1800s, reflecting the shift in the neoclassical style towards a darker and more refined style of representation. A very fine copy in half-maroquin binding in perfect condition, executed by Thouvenin whilst at the height of his art.  Printed on strong vellin paper, the volume is in very fresh condition with only very rare foxing or faint water stains; a few quires are slightly and uniformly foxed. The two additional volumes in the same binding contain the Supplement to the Collection of Letters by M. de Voltaire 1720–1778. Paris, Deterville, Petit, 1808. This supplement to the Kehl edition usually includes a third volume with a general table of contents; however, as this table relates to the 70-volume edition, it was not appropriate to include it here. Cohen 1042–1043–1044 – Bengesco IV, pp. 105–146 – General Catalogue of the BnF, vol. CCXIV. Voltaire. pp. 253–258.
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About the sale Xavier de Planhol Library – The Origins of the Novel
Auction location
Auction time 09/30/2026 at 2:00 PM
Pictures credits: Contact the Auction House
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