Molière/Jan Punt - Œuvres - 1750

MOLIÈRE, JEAN-BAPTISTE POQUELIN — WORKS OF MOLIÈRE (AMSTERDAM & LEIPZIG, ARKSTÉE & MERKUS, 1750, 4 COMPLETE VOLUMES).
Amsterdam & Leipzig: Arkstée & Merkus, 1750.
4 volumes in-12. Full contemporary calf, back with raised bands ornamented.
Very beautiful complete set of Molière’s theatrical works published by the famous booksellers-publishers Arkstée & Merkus.

This edition contains the entirety of the repertoire plays (including L'Étourdi, Le Dépit Amoureux, Les Précieuses Ridicules, Sganarelle, Dom Garcie de Navarre, L'École des Maris, Les Fâcheux, Dom Juan ou Le Festin de Pierre), preceded by the Memoirs on the life and works of Molière.

It is particularly sought after for the talent of the designer and engraver Jan Punt, whose meticulous theatrical compositions capture the actors’ movements, the stage costumes of the 18th century, and the spectacular sets of the Comédie-Française (such as the statue of the Commander in Le Festin de Pierre).

Beautiful copy preserved in its period full brown marble leather binding. Back with raised bands in fine condition with gilding well preserved in the compartments. Scratches and minor surface wear on the heads and the leather of the backs (small discreet skin losses at the tops of the volumes), corners and edges lightly rubbed. Bindings very solid.

Interior of remarkable freshness on vélin paper with careful two-color impression (red and black) on the title pages. Well complete with the frontispiece and the series of Punt’s engravings, with a clear and well contrasted impression. Handwritten note Diesterweg 1819 on the titles.

The elegance of Dutch engraving at the service of Molière’s genius: Published in the middle of the Enlightenment, this Amsterdam and Leipzig edition testifies to the unparalleled international appeal of French theatre at all European courts.
The engraved plate for Le Festin de Pierre (Don Juan) by Jan Punt in 1739 is one of the most famous representations of the Commander in the 18th century!