Lives of the Saints - 18th century illustrated French
[Les Vies des Saints]. French manuscript album with engravings. [France or Belgium?, 18th century]. 4to. [18.5 x 16 cm]. 133 pp + (3) pp of index. Lacking pp . With 24 mounted engravings by various artists including Jean Messager, Cornelis Van Merlen, Andre Basset, Cornelis Galle, and Michel van Lochem. Bound in 18th century patterned boards with thin velum spine and four twine ties. Lower section of spine very chipped but holding. One engraving lost or removed (from p. 10). Generally good. Charming vernacular album in French, recounting the lives of various saints including Teresa of Avila, Catherine of Siena, St. Apollonia, Elizabeth of Hungary, Peter of Alcantara, John of God, Charles Borromeo, Vincent de Beauvais, etc. etc. The 2 largest engravings (Blessed John of God and St. Jerome) are very fine, and are signed by Michel van Lochem. They appeared in the book by Louis Beurier, Sommaire des Vies des Fondateurs et Reformateurs des Ordres Religieux (Paris, ). But many of these plates many be 18th century re-strikes of the originals? Read More