RAOUL-ROCHETTE, Desiré (1789-1854) - Gabriel LORY (1784-1846) - Voyage pittoresque dans la Vallée de Chamonix et autour de Mont Blanc. Paris: J.F. Osterwald, 1826.   First edition among the most sought after of Alpine literature. It is the most complete description of the classic tour around Mont Blanc with plates dedicated to the Italian side and Courmayeur. A genuine copy, with full margins and uncut. The 40 plates engraved in aquatint and handcoloured were drawn by some of the most important artists of the time: Gabriel Lory son made 15, the father 1, J.L.P. Coignet 12, Max de Meuron 5, J.F. Ostervald 7; among the engravers are F. Salathé with 17 and S. Himley with 16, Lory himself with 3.   4to (325 x 243mm). Half-title, 40 plates followed by explanatory text and protected by tissue paper (tear on the plate "View taken from the Flegere" not compromising the integrity of the engraving, the plates are printed on different paper and subject to yellowing mostly in the margins, some foxing to text leaves, some gatherings a little loose). Contemporary quarter red morocco decorated in gilt, red paper plates (lightly rubbed).

Estimate € 12,000 - 18,000

Awarded € 20,000