Antique "Traite des Arbres Fruitiers" Hand-Colored Engravings, Circa Early 19th Century. The works are from a book by Henri Louis Duhamel du Monceau, first published in Paris in 1768 with 180 engravings that were hand-colored after printing. The publication was such a success that it was reissued between 1808 and 1835 and enlarged to 422 plates.

“Traite des Arbres Fruitiers” discusses methods of pruning and grafting fruit specimens with an aim was to promote the nutritional benefits of fruit trees. Sixteen fruits and a number of species are described, including apricots, cherries, figs, gooseberries, pears, peaches, grapes, etc. For each fruit included, the plate features an illustration of the seed, foliage, blossom, fruit, and often, cross sections of the specimen. Pears were Duhamel’s favorite fruit, and therefore are the most represented.

Three artists were employed to illustrate his book- Claude Aubriet, Madeleine Basseporte, and Abbé le Berriays. These artists’ names can be found on the lower left of the plates.

The “Bellissime” Pear was illustrated by Claude Aubriet and the “Marquise” Pear by Abbé le Berriays. Each pear is beautifully illustrated and hand-colored in shades of reds, greens and yellows. Titled in the lower center of the plate with page numbers also visible in the upper right.

The works are framed in minimal wood frames with a double layer matte in natural stubby fabric and gold.

Condition: Excellent antique condition. Prints are in excellent condition with only very minor paper discoloration. Frame show small signs of wear. Light discoloration to fabric mat.

Size Me Up: Each - 17” Height x 15 1/2” Width x 3/4” Frame Depth