LONGUS. The Pastoral Loves of Daphnis and Chloe. - Lot 205

LONGUS. The Pastoral Loves of Daphnis and Chloe. A beautiful illustrated edition reproducing the plates from the so-called “Régent” edition. One of the small quarto copies on fine paper, in a full binding in the style of Derôme. No place, no date, 1745. Small quarto, full brown morocco, plain spine decorated with gilt metal tools, burgundy leather title label, rich frame decoration on the covers consisting of gilt fillets, scrolls, and fleurons, gilt inner scroll, gilt fillet with notches, guilloché caps, gilt edges. 5 unnumbered folios (title page, colophon, preface), 159 and XX pages (notes). Title-frontispiece, 29 illustrations, 4 headpieces, and 4 tailpieces. Minor wear from handling, particularly on the caps; a fine tear at the top edges; rare foxing. An illustrated edition that reproduces the plates from the 1718 edition, known as the “Regent’s Edition” since it was commissioned by Philippe, Duke of Orléans, who signed most of the engravings. The fine engravings are by Benoît Audran: a frontispiece title page after Coypel dated 1718, 28 illustrations based on Philippus (that is, the Duke of Orléans), dated 1714, and a final anonymous illustration known as “aux petits pieds.” [Cohen, 357]. A fine copy.