Histoire de la vie de Jesus-Christ

First edition, richly illustrated with 75 figures, 40 in volume 1 (including the frontispiece) and 35 in volume 2 (including the frontispiece) and with a folding map of Palestine. Entirely printed on watermarked laid paper "Vie de J.C.". "Fine edition of this esteemed work; it is adorned with 75 rather attractive engravings, made after the principal paintings of the three schools which relate to the text. The first printing is particularly sought after" (Brunet).
Full straight-grained navy morocco binding of the period, slightly later, ca 1825, Restoration, attributable to Thouvenin according to the stamp on the upper cover (Roth, Catalogue N°9, 1946, N°256). Smooth spines richly decorated with different gilt ornamental motifs in 2 compartments with a small central cross and blind border, with gilt roulettes at tail and head. Covers decorated with a large central blind Restoration stamp, a first gilt border with various stamps, a second blind border with palmettes. Roulette on the headcaps, stamps and roulettes on the leading edges and rich interior border. Edges gilt. Title and volume labels gilt. Splendid condition, in the rarest state, apart from very slight traces of sunning on the spine of volume 2, the joints of volume 2.
Sumptuous unsigned master binding perfectly executed, attributable to Thouvenin.
Father François de Ligny, of the Society of Jesus created this paraphrase on the life of Jesus based on the Gospels, and ancient texts, adding his reflections and commentaries.