Buffon/JG Prêtre - œuvres complètes de Buffon - 1825-1828

Exceptional complete edition of Buffon's works published in Paris by Eymery between 1825 and 1828, in the order established by Count de Lacépède and completed by the supplementary volume published in 1828.
Bel exemplar complete in 26 volumes, bound in half-brown morocco (13.5 x 21 cm).
Illustrated with 245 plates: Buffon’s portrait engraved by Deveria as frontispiece, 216 color plates hand-coloured—with some enhanced in gold—of which 91 are devoted to mammals and 126 to birds, 13 plates in black, as well as 4 folding geographical maps. Most of the color plates are by Jean Gabriel Prêtre, painter attached to the ménagerie of Empress Joséphine.
Condition:
The half-brown morocco binding is in decent condition, apart from three headcaps that have been damaged and require restoration (see photo).
The color plates protected by a transparent paper are in good condition, and the foxing that speckles some volumes does not touch or only slightly affect the plates, which keep their vibrant colors. The flat cardboard boards are slightly rubbed but in good condition.
The maps are also in good condition and are not affected by foxing.
Note that one plate that detached—reproduced in photo number 3—has suffered a slight alteration to the outer edge.