antique prints, maps and watercolors

Jean Charles Krafft. (Terraces, parterres, water features) Plans des Plus Beaux Jardins... Paris: Levault, 1809. $150.00

click for detailed image Krafft 77-78.JPG

Pl. 77-78 (Large estate with terraces, parterres and water features)

Jean Charles Krafft (1764-1833) was a German born architect and draftsman who emigrated to France where is authored several works on architecture and design. The translation of the full title of this work reveals its focus. It is Plans of the most beautiful Picturesque Gardens in France, England and Germany and of the Edifices, Monuments, Fabrics, etc. which contribute to their Embellishment, of every kind of architecture, such as Chinese, Egyptian, English, Arabian, Moorish, etc. … His intended audience was gentlemen who owned estates and wanted some ideas for their landscaping and hard scaping.

This view depicts a large estate replete with groves of trees, meandering garden paths, terraces and many water features. It includes many peripheral buildings and a large pavilion or pergola.

12 1/2 x 19 inches, sheet.
Hand colored engraving.
Two repaired tears without loss in lower left.