„Cathedrale de Chartres“. France, 1840s. 2 volumes with a total of 61 pencil and wash drawings, heightened with gouache.

Drawings mounted on paper, most of them with a handwritten description of the illustration. They range in size from c. 18 x 30 cm to c. 25 x 33 cm.

Half-leather bindings [ca. 35 x 50 cm] with gold embossing. Bindings with the monogram: “F. V.”.

Volume I includes 41 drawings plus a chromolithograph (somewhat stained), with one drawing on a loose sheet. These illustrations primarily capture architectural elements (mostly sculptures) that depict Biblical scenes, focusing on the life of Jesus Christ.

Volume II contains 20 drawings, showcasing mainly decorative and architectural elements from both the interior and exterior of the cathedral. One of the drawings dated („26 Juillet 1947“). Another of the drawings (a loose one) is a dedication: „Hommage a Mad.e Villemenard“, which does not necessarily belong with the rest of the drawings, but properly identifies „Mademoiselle Villemenard“ to whom the monogram refers.

Chartres Cathedral, a seminal example of Gothic architecture, is celebrated for its pioneering features such as pointed arches, ribbed vaults, flying buttresses, and its renowned stained glass windows with the striking „Chartres blue.“ The cathedral’s design represents the pinnacle of medieval craftsmanship and religious devotion.

These two volumes, containing 61 meticulously crafted 19th century drawings of the architectural elements of Chartres Cathedral, offer a rare and exquisite glimpse into the artistry and structural ingenuity of this Gothic masterpiece. Despite the anonymity of the artist, the beauty and precision of the drawings speak volumes about their skill and dedication to capturing the cathedral’s intricate details.

The present albums not only serve as valuable historical documents but also as a testament to the enduring allure of Chartres Cathedral’s architectural brilliance.

Covers slightly stained and slightly bumped, the spines somewhat sun-faded, drawings partly with some staining, otherwise in very good condition.

EUR 2.850,-