Oppenord, Gilles-Marie

OPPENORD, Gilles-Marie (1672-1742). Oeuvres... contenant différents fragments d'architecture, et d'ornement. Paris: Gabriel Huquier, [ca 1748].
2 o (584 x 428 mm). Engraved throughout, general title, dedication, cartouche [first state prior to the addition of Oppenord's self-portrait], 120 engraved plates on 83 sheets, the last double page (repaired tear crossing image). 20th-century red morocco gilt by Masson-Debonnelle for Baron Seilliere at Castle Mello, with his arms in center of covers. Provenance: Baron Achille Seilliere, Chateau de Mello (binding; his sale, May 5-10, 1890, Galerie Georges Petit, Paris, lot 300); Edmond L. Lincoln (bookplate); acquired from Ars Libri, 1990.
FIRST EDITION of the "Grand Oppenord," continuing the publication of his Oeuvres by Huquier which commenced shortly after his death. The third plate in first state, with the cartouche before the impression of the portrait. Plates IV-XCIC are arranged in 19 suites or cahiers lettered AA-TT (most containing 6 plates). Included are additional sets of ornaments and decoration for interiors, as well as designs for church furniture and trophies, fountains, and tombs. Prints are also included of designs for the Palais Royale. Oppenord "was an important contributor to the development of the rococo style in Europe. He grew up in the ateliers of the Louvre, where he became acquainted with the extensive artistic productions prepared for the king. He became the protégé of the Marquis de Villacerf (surintendant des bâtiments) and through the intervention of the Marquis was attached unofficially to the French Academy in Rome in 1692" (Millard). Oppenord was the chief architect for the church of S