Diderot and d'Alembert's Encyclopédie

Denis Diderot and Jean le Rond d'Alembert's 

Encyclopédie ou Dictionnaire Raisonné des Sciences, des Arts et des Métiers.

 Paris 1763

These fine original copperplate engravings printed on heavy handmade rag stock

were published as part of the essential exploratory encyclopedia of arts, 

science and industry produced during  

The Age of Enlightenment. 

This keynote work extolled the artistic virtues and labors 

of the common man during pre-Revolutionary France.

Didactic in nature, the plates were engraved and documented in meticulous detail, 

and represented a fine visual record of French culture and achievement.

After the French Revolution, society could thus be recreated,

here inspired by the illustrations and descriptions of the daily toils and talents of the common folk. 

Today these refined engravings are prized for their diverse and elegant representations

of the arts and craftsmanship, as well as attention to detail of costume, elements of travel, 

architectural landscape and perspective.

All text and images courtesy of Lowry-James Rare Prints & Books, ABAA