Only the fine atlas to the work. 285 plates, 2 portr. of Buffon and Cuvier, 7 uncoloured (as always) plates (1 folded graph on dog breeds) and 280 originally finely handcoloured plates of birds and mammals (and a few of people). Contemp. half calf over marbled boards, spine with gilt ornamental bands and title ('Vignettes de Buffon') Boards very worn, especially the front board; back hinge split, leather partly loose. Portraits and some plates detached. Some damp staining and a bit of mildew in the lower corners (mostly in the first plates), but most plates clean. The colouring is mostly beautiful, bright and accurate. * Fine atlas to the work by the great French naturalist Georges Louis Leclerc, comte de Buffon (1707-1788), with additions by another great French naturalist, and founder of modern animal systematics, George Cuvier (1773-1838). The portraits and some plates are by Alexandre Massard (1777-after 1824), most plates by Jean Louis Charles Pauquet (1759-after 1822). The coloured plates include several wild cats, pachyderms, monkeys, etc. The birds include many of the most colourful in the world (e.g. parrots, toucans, pigeons, etc.) Buffon's work was immensely popular and went through many editions, but few has such excellent plates as this one. ** This lot is part of an important collection that will be auctioned in the coming months through the Catawiki Collection Service. If you also need assistance to sell your collection at auction, ask for our terms directly at this seller's account! #bookspartnership