Large Folio. [3], 132 pp., 80 plates numbered 1-78 (+ 2 unnumbered folding plates), of which 9 are folding, 70 lithographed, 8 aquatinted, and 2 engraved, half-title, title vignette, contemporary half calf binding with marbled boards, slightly rubbed with minor repairs to spine, fitted in a modern slipcase, title gilt on raised spine, the plates represent costumes and views of Constantinople, Bethlehem, Jerusalem, Cairo, etc... scattered foxing throughout, some light dampness on margins of plates occasionally affecting small portions of plates, otherwise copy in good condition, Imprimerie Royale, Paris, first edition, 1819.

Synopsis

First edition, Brunet states that 325 copies were printed. Two editions, the one marked “Seconde”, were also issued in 1819 with the text in 8vo and the folio plates to be purchased separately. Forbin’s was one of the first important French books to use lithography on a grand scale, and the standard of production is equal to that of Napoleon’s “Description de l’Égypte” or “Denon’s Voyage”. The plates are after drawings by Forbin, Isabey, Prevost, Fragonard and Carle Vernet. The aquatint plates are all after drawings by Forbin himself. Most of the plates illustrate scenes in Egypt and Syria, including one of Drovetti, French consul in Egypt, measuring a colossal head. The two unnumbered plates illustrate the catacombs of Milos and a diagram of the Holy Sepulchre.
In 1816 Forbin replaced Dominique Denon as Director of Museums of France, and in August 1817 he undertook a semi-official year-long voyage to the Levant, having been authorised to purchase antiquities for the Louvre. He travelled to Milos, where his son-in-law Marcellus had negotiated the purchase of the recently discovered Venus de Milo and from there he continued to Athens, Contantinople, Asia Minor, Syria and Palestine. From Jaffa he travelled overland to Alexandria and visited Egypt. His party included the artist Prevost and the engineer Linant de Bellfonds.
Bibliographic references: Atabey, 447; Blackmer, 614; Brunet II, 1337; Colas, 1089; Graesse II, 614; Röhricht, 1660; Tobler, 144-145; Hilmy I, 163 cites a copy with coloured plates.