Cahier, C. and A. Martin - Suite aux mélanges d'archéologie. - 1868

Published in two parts. Folio (36.5 x 29.0 cm). Half-title and title page; pp. v-xii; 245 (of 250) chromolithographic plates, in two, identical portfolios with marbled boards and gilt-lettered spine, numbered 1 and 2.
A rare work consisting of two sets of plates each showing an ornamental pattern. Quite a few are from the Alhambra and these intricate geometrical patterns are known to have influenced the great Dutch graphic artist Maurits Escher. Others are more elaborate and are clearly precursory to the Art Nouveau or Jugendstil movement.
Portfolio edges and corners rather rubbed, spine of part 1 starting, several plates with mostly light, mostly marginal spotting. Lacking are five plates towards the end in part 2 (no's 227, 234-235, 240, 250). Otherwise a very nice set, with intricate and inspiring illustrations. Scarce.
References: Neither in Evers, Ornamentale Vorlagenwerke, nor in Schneider-Henn, Ornament und Dekoration, underscoring its rarity.