Portfolio of 17 Nautical Engravings After Henri Sbonski De Passebon - Set of 17

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A fine boxed portfolio set of hand-colored nautical engravings depicting ships, galleys, and various other vessels that sailed the Mediterranean … Read more A fine boxed portfolio set of hand-colored nautical engravings depicting ships, galleys, and various other vessels that sailed the Mediterranean in the late 17th century.

This collection comprises seventeen plates after Henri Sbonski de Passebon’s Plan de Plusieurs Bâtiments de Mer (Plan of Several Sea Vessels). The set includes detailed illustrations of naval ships and galleys, plus two half-size plates: a decorative title page adorned with nautical emblems, and a dedication page.

Henri Sbonski de Passebon, a French naval officer and artist during the reign of King Louis XIV, was renowned for his depictions of naval vessels—especially galleys. His original engravings were first published in the late 1600s. This portfolio is a 20th C. edition of his celebrated work.

The plates are printed on thick, laid paper, delicately hand-colored, with some featuring gilt accents. When held to the light, most sheets reveal a monogram watermark. The dedication page bears the Richard de Bas watermark— a heart crossed by two horizontal lines—originating from one of France’s oldest papermills, in operation for over 600 years.

These maritime engravings are ideal for creating a dramatic wall display. Arrange them in a grid pattern for maximum visual impact—perfect for a large space where the works can be appreciated both from a distance and up close for their detail. Use matching frames and consistent spacing for a refined, gallery-like presentation. The set may also be divided into smaller groupings to suit different interiors.

Inscription on the outer case reads as follows:

Plan de Plusieurs Batiments de Mer Avec Leurs Proportions
Par Henri Sbonki de Passebon
Ecuier, Lieutenant d'une des Galeres du Roy.

List of 17 engraving titles (excluding title and dedication pages):

Galease a la Voile
Barque allant vent arriere
Tartane de pesche
Brigantin donnant chasse a une Felouque, et prest alaborder
Coupe dun Amiral de 104 pieces de Canon avec ses principales proportions et les noms des pieces du dedans. - Randon sculpsit
Galeasse a la Rame
Gallere a la voille portant l'Estendart de chef d'Escadre
La Galere Patronne, a la rame
Flute vaisseau de charge a la voile
Vaisseau du premier rang portant pauillon d'Admiral
Vaisseau du troisieme rang a la voile
Bruslot a la fonde
Galiote a bombe
Polacre a la voile
Saique batiment sont les turcs se servent en levent pour leur trafic
Coupe dun Gallere avec des Proportions / Quille d'un Galere sur le Chantier - Barthelemy Chasse delineauit et Sculpsit
La galere Reale a la fonde

Additional photos available upon request.

Measurements: Case: 30 11/16" by 22 1/4" by 13/16"; Sheets: 29 3/4" by 21 5/8" approximately. See less