LA FONTAINE (Jean de). FABLES CHOISIES, mises en vers. Paris - Lot 177

LA FONTAINE (Jean de). FABLES CHOISIES, mises en vers. Paris, Desaint et Saillant, 1755-1759. 4 volumes in folio, speckled calf, triple gilt fillet on covers, highly ornate ribbed spine, gilt edges (period binding). An admirable and very famous edition, often imitated, this is a masterpiece of French engraving. The illustration includes a frontispiece specially designed by Oudry and engraved by Cochin, and 275 remarkable full-page engravings based on Oudry's original drawings, retouched by Cochin and etched under his direction by the best artists of the time. A second edition copy, with the name on the banner of the leopard engraving. Without the portrait of Oudry, as it was not originally part of the work. Minimal marginal galling in volume 4, worn headbands, the copy is well preserved in attractive contemporary calf bindings.