antique prints, maps and watercolors

Denis Diderot. (Dressage terre a terre...) Encyclopedie ou Dictionnaire raisonne… Paris: 1751-76. Framed Sold

click for detailed image DiderotHorseIX.JPG

Plate IX "Manege, Terre a Terre a droite. La Pesade"

Original antique engraving from the 18th century French encyclopedia titled Encyclopédie, ou dictionnaire raisonné des sciences, des arts et des métiers (Encyclopedia, or a Systematic Dictionary of the Sciences, Arts, and Crafts). This 17 volume work which included 11 volumes of engravings was the masterwork of Denis Diderot (1713-1784) a French philosopher, art critic, writer and prominent scholar during the Enlightenment. Diderot's encyclopedia was published in France between 1751-1772 with later supplements, revised editions and translations. The encyclopedia with its accompanying engraved plates was quite a publishing accomplishment and was highly popular in its day, as it detailed in text and pictures so many disparate things including the natural history world, instruction and details on marine and military maneuvers, printmaking, textile manufacturing, agriculture, and animal husbandry, etc. Today the plates are highly valued as a record of techniques and vocations of 18th century life.

Copperplate engraving on laid paper with modern hand color.
Archivally framed measuring 23 x 17 3/4 inches finished size.
Excellent condition.