Paul Lacroix - XVIII et XVIIIeme siècles, institutions, usages et costumes - 1880-1885

Two volumes by Pierre Lacroix on institutions, customs and costumes of the 18th century.

1 - Eighteenth Century. Institutions, Usages and Costumes (France 1700-1789).
Rich iconography.
Work including 21 sumptuous chromolithographs (color plates enhanced with gold) and 350 wood engravings after Watteau, Vanloo, Rigaud, Boucher, Greuze, Lancret, Vernet, etc.
This work explores social life, fashions, the court and the period.
The French administration in the Age of Enlightenment, just before the Revolution.
523 pages.
Used condition, detached first page, foxing scattered, page 462 damaged, half-leather binding with rubbed corners and scratched boards.

2 - Seventeenth Century. Institutions, Usages and Costumes (France 1590-1700)
Large quarto.
Publisher's red percaline binding.
Spine with raised bands adorned with panels and gilded fleurons.
580 pages
Rich iconography.
16 chromolithograph plates
The text is also illustrated with 300 wood engravings.
Binding in red half-chagrin with raised bands.
Spine decorated with panels and motifs of gilded fleurons in a classic style.
The historical interest of this volume lies in its lively and scholarly description of the Enlightenment century, just before the upheaval of the French Revolution
The Institutions:
The functioning of the Court of Versailles, the administration of the Kingdom, justice, the army, the clergy and public finances.
The Usages:
Courtly and private life, drawing rooms, the world of theater, commerce, craftsmanship and the peasant condition.
The Costumes:
The detailed evolution of French fashion, the appearance of powdered wigs, pannier dresses, as well as the adornments of the high nobility and the bourgeoisie.
Volume in used condition
1 detached leaf (pages 193 to 212), foxing and scattered stains. Binding with rubbed corners.