Bernard de Montfaucon (French, 1655-1741). "L'Antiquite Expliquee, et Representee en Figures" Paris: Florentin Delaulne, et. Al., 1719, 1724. 5 Volumes in 10, and 5 supplements. First edition from 1719 with the 5-volume 1724 supplement. What a find! A complete collection of all first edition volumes and supplements of "L'Antiquite Expliquee, et Representee en Figures" or "Antiquity Explained, and Represented in Figures," an ambitious visual encyclopedia of antiquity, by Bernard de Montfaucon. The monumental work classified the statues, monuments, vases, coins, seals, and artifacts of antiquity according to their subject matter and thus served as a fundamental source work of classical antiquity and other motifs for painters, sculptors, and architects throughout the 18th century. The work was published in an edition of 1800 copies, which apparently sold out within 2 months. Size (all similar): 11.5" L x 2.3" W x 17.75" H (29.2 cm x 5.8 cm x 45.1 cm)

The architect, Robert Adam, derived many features of his decorative repertoire from "L'Antiquite expliquee," in particular what he believed to be "Etruscan" motifs. The work occupied Montfaucon for many years, having received contributions and assistance from some of the great European collectors of the time, many of whom are mentioned or credited adjacent to the illustrations.

As evident by their labels, these books were previously owned by Sumner A. Parker (1881-1946) and his wife G. Dudrea Parker (1883-1972) of The Cloisters castle in Maryland. According to The Cloisters website, the Parkers "dared to dream of constructing an authentic Gothic manor house in the Maryland countryside. The Parkers spent the decades between their 1905 marriage and the outbreak of World War II working towards this goal. To this end, they traveled extensively throughout Europe, collecting artwork and artifacts as well as architectural elements and antique furniture. All of these were shipped to a warehouse in Baltimore, where they were stored while the Parkers meticulously prepared to build their unique home. Finally, Mr. and Mrs. Parker found the ideal location, 60 wooded acres on a hilltop in Baltimore County that reminded them of their favorite part of France, and began construction around 1929." This example may have been acquired during one of those extensive European voyages.

Another complete set of 15 first edition volumes of "L'Antiquite expliquee" hammered $32,500 (equivalent to about $41,893.80 today) as lot 502 on April 5th, 2016 at Christie's New York (Live Auction 12259 / "Ex Libris Jean R. Perrette: Important Travel, Exploration & Cartography").

**For Serious Buyers Only: In the absence of a definitive collation for this work, please inquire regarding numbers and conditions of specific illustrated plates and pages.**

Provenance: ex-Royal Athena Galleries, New York City, New York, USA

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#178321

Engraved portrait by J. Audron after N, Largilliere, titles printed in red and black, engraved and woodcut vignettes (lacking engraved frontispiece). Speckled calf binding, spine with raised bands, gilt in compartments, lettered in two. All besides Vol IV Part II have front covers and fly leaves detached; Vol I Part I has title page torn and partially detached and Vol III Part I has both title pages detached. Vol II Part I and Vol V Part I also have back covers and fly leaves detached. Vol I Part II, Vol I Part I, Vol II Supplement, and Vol IV Supplement have back covers and fly leaves loose or partially detached. Foxing, dampstaining, browning, and spotting throughout. Chipping and fraying to covers and some folding and wrinkling to pages. Possible rebinding and repairs to marginal tears. Interior of each front cover has "The Cloisters" label. Vol I Part I has all 122 numbered plates plus 3 unnumbered after p.24 (double plate), after pl.72, and after pl.122 - total of 125 plates + portrait. Remaining volumes and supplements have not been collated. Please inquire for more detail regarding number and condition of specific plates and pages.