Peterhoff. Maison de plaisance de Sa Majeste Imperiale de toutes les Russie u. u. u.

Title

Peterhoff. Maison de plaisance de Sa Majeste Imperiale de toutes les Russie u. u. u.

Description

Very fine hand-colored engraved view of Peterhof Palace, depicting the Great Cascade with numerous staffage figures in the foreground. After Louis-Nicolas de Lespinasse, engraved by Claude Niquet under the direction of François-Denis Née. From the atlas to Nicolas-Gabriel Le Clerc, Histoire physique, morale, civile et politique de la Russie ancienne et moderne, Paris and Versailles, 1783–1794.

ca. 1783

Artist

Lespinasse de Nicolas Louis genannt Chevalier (1734-1808)

Louis-Nicolas de Lespinasse, called Chevalier de Lespinasse, born 12.10.1734 in Pouilly-sur-Loire; died 17.11.1808 in Paris. He was a French illustrator and politician.

Historical Description

Peterhof, Maison de plaisance de Sa Majesté Impériale de toutes les Russies (Pleasure Palace of His Imperial Majesty of All the Russias) is a magnificent plate book dedicated to the imperial summer residence of Peterhof, located on the Gulf of Finland about 30 kilometers west of St. Petersburg. Established in 1709 by Tsar Peter the Great and inspired by the Palace of Versailles, the estate was subsequently enlarged and embellished by his successors. The work presents finely engraved views of the palaces, formal gardens, fountains, cascades, and the splendid architecture of the imperial residence. Lavishly produced books of this kind were created during the 18th century for the European aristocracy and diplomatic circles and are now regarded among the finest printed works documenting Russian architecture and landscape design. Original editions are highly sought after by collectors and antiquarian booksellers for their artistic excellence, rarity, and historical significance.