10 vol. in 4° (30 x 22 cm), with portrait of A.M. Filhol, and 718 engraved plates (numbered 1-720, 552/3 are never present) and a suite of 718 engravings in 'avant la letter' in first state after paintings and sculptures by European masters in the Louvre, moderate foxing, contemporary half red morocco binding (some rubbing)
Handsome large-paper set of a monumental illustrated catalogue with A SUITE of the the holdings of the Louvre during the period of the first French Empire, including many works acquired as spoils of the Napoleonic Wars that were later returned to their rightful owners. It was originally published as Galerie du Musée Napoléon following the renaming of the museum for the Emperor in 1803. As here, some copies published after his fall from power have the revised title omitting his name. Brunet II, 1256-57. Ex-libris: John Archer Houblon