FRANCINI (Alessandro). Livre d'architecture... Paris, Melchi - Lot 264

FRANCINI (Alessandro). Livre d'architecture... Paris, Melchior Tavernier, 1640. In-folio, 27.5 x 41 cm, 4 ff. XXXX plates, contemporary soft ivory vellum binding, smooth spine. Second edition, illustrated with 40 plates, including a very fine portrait of the author in an architectural frame, dated 1631, engraved by Abraham Bosse, and 39 plates engraved by Melchior Tavernier. A Florentine hydraulic architect, Francini (d. 1648), appointed architect to the king, was responsible for water and fountains at Fontainebleau. A good copy. Signature Leger, painter on title (late 18th century). Two plates stained, two others summarily repaired in the margins, brown pencil line on one of the plates and marginal stains on the last eight plates. Millard I, 75.