François Compte Calix / Portier - Vie élégante de la société parisienne - 1860

Charming illustrated edition of this exceptional work that delicately captures the spirit, the codes, and the decor of Parisian high society under the Second Empire.

This art book, both a society chronicle and an illustrated album, unfolds a series of living tableaux depicting salons, balls, walks, shows, toilettes, and the attitudes of the urban elite.

The text, written in an elegant and descriptive style, celebrates social rituals, female figures, dandies, artists, and patrons, while subtly outlining an implicit sociology of luxury, taste, and distinction.

Portier's illustrations, delicate and stylized, offer an idealized vision of Parisian life, with particular attention paid to costumes, interiors, gestures, and gazes.

François Compte Calix / Portier - Elegant life of Parisian society - SD (circa 1860) - Plon Frères
24 pages, of which 12 are illustrated.

Very good condition of the binding, landscape format work in its blue half-percaline from the period, marbled boards, slight signs of use, smooth decorated spine, gilded titling and author's name on a red morocco piece.

Good interior condition, scattered foxing, work enriched with 12 beautiful plates.

Delivery service guaranteed within a few days.