TITLE: Pair of French Rococo Berlin & Diable Carriage Engravings, 1771
DESCRIPTION: Pair of original antique 18th-century copper engravings illustrating two elegant French horse-drawn carriages, published in the celebrated Encyclopédie of Denis Diderot and Jean le Rond d’Alembert in 1771.
The plates belong to the “Sellier-Carrossier” section devoted to the sophisticated craft of French carriage making. Drawn by Jacques-Raymond Lucotte and engraved by Robert Bénard, they combine highly decorative Rococo coach design with precise technical documentation of carriage construction, suspension, wheels, chassis, upholstery and fittings.
PLATE IV – Berline ou Vis-à-vis à panneaux arrasés: An exceptionally ornate enclosed Berlin or vis-à-vis carriage. The large central elevation shows the richly decorated passenger compartment, elaborate Rococo carving, large rear and smaller front wheels, driver’s seat and suspension. Additional figures illustrate individual decorative and structural components.
PLATE XII – Diable: An elegant open carriage known as a “Diable,” characterized by its sweeping body profile and richly upholstered passenger compartment. The plate presents the complete carriage in side elevation together with a plan view, separate upholstery study and construction details.
Together, the two engravings provide a fascinating contrast between enclosed and open luxury carriage...
Category
18th Century Louis XV Antique French Wall Decorations