Félix Vicq d'Azyr (1748-1794) - photo 1
Félix Vicq d'Azyr (1748-1794) - photo 2
Félix Vicq d'Azyr (1748-1794) - photo 3

Félix Vicq d'Azyr (1748-1794)

Lot 107
09.12.2020 00:00UTC +00:00
Classic
Starting price
£ 10 000
AuctioneerCHRISTIE'S
Event locationUnited Kingdom, London
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ID 470119
Lot 107 | Félix Vicq d'Azyr (1748-1794)
Estimate value
£ 10 000 – 15 000
Félix Vicq d'Azyr (1748-1794).

Traité d'anatomie et de physiologie. 1786

VICQ D'AZYR, Félix (1748-1794). Traité d'anatomie et de physiologie, avec des planches coloriées représentant au naturel les divers organes de l'homme et des animaux... Tome premier [all published]. Paris: Francois Ambroise Didot l'aîné, 1786.



First edition of 'the most accurate neuroanatomical work produced before the advent of microscopic staining techniques' (Garrison-Morton), this copy with the Prospectus bound in, not known in any other copy. The interest of the present work, projected as a multi-volume study of human anatomy and physiology but never finished, lies in its intelligent utilization of the new print-making technique of aquatint for the purpose of accurate anatomical illustration. Vicq d'Azyr had commenced publication of the work in parts, under royal patronage: the allegorial frontispiece shows Louis XVI as Apollo sitting on a cloud watching an anatomy scene with three goddesses around the corpse, one representing Study with an oil-lamp, one Medicine with a serpent, and the third the draughts-woman. However, the French Revolution prevented its completion, and, since the instructions for binding the work were probably never issued, copies differ in the order in which they are bound. Garrison-Morton 401.2; Heirs of Hippocrates 1073; Norman 2150.



Folio (493 x 328mm). Half-title, allegorical aquatint frontispiece printed in colour and finished by hand, engraved explanation leaf by Beaublé, typographic dedication leaf to Louis XVI, engraved title vignette, 69 engraved plates by and after Angelique Briceau, including 34 aquatints, some with stipple engraving, printed in two or more colours and representing the same figures as the line engravings, 4pp. letterpress prospectus bound after text and before the explanations of the plates (half-title and explanation leaf lightly creased, occasional light toning and spotting, title more heavily spotted, short marginal tear to plain pl. XIX, tiny chip to coloured pl. XXXII). Contemporary tree calf, covers with gilt border, flat gilt spine with green morocco gilt lettering-piece, gilt turn-ins, marbled endpaper with marbled edges (extremities rubbed, covers heavily, short split at upper joint at spine foot, corners lightly bumped). Provenance: [Jean Blondelet].

Auction house category:Books
Address of auction CHRISTIE'S
8 King Street, St. James's
SW1Y 6QT London
United Kingdom
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09.12.2020 – 09.12.2020
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