Three French Post Chaise & Cabriolet Engineering Engravings, 1771, Set of 3

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Title: three french post chaise & cabriolet coachbuilding engravings, 1771 description: set of three original antique 18th-century copper engravings illustrating … Read more Title: three french post chaise & cabriolet coachbuilding engravings, 1771 description: set of three original antique 18th-century copper engravings illustrating french post chaises and cabriolet carriage design, 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 specialist craft of carriage making. Drawn by jacques-raymond lucotte and engraved by robert bénard, they combine elegant french rococo design with remarkably precise technical documentation of carriage bodies, wheels, shafts, suspension, upholstery and individual fittings. The set comprises plates xiii, xv and xiv. Plate xiii – chaise de poste à l’écrevisse: an elaborate enclosed post chaise shown in side and plan views, accompanied by numerous detailed studies of its structural and mechanical components. Plate xv – chaise ou cabriolet: an elegant two-wheeled chaise or cabriolet with folding hood. Additional figures illustrate the passenger compartment, hood mechanism, shafts and individual fittings. Plate xiv – chaise de poste à cul de singe: a finely ornamented post chaise distinguished by its characteristic curved body. The main elevation is accompanied by a plan view and detailed studies of the upholstery, bodywork and construction elements. Together, these three closely related engravings provide a fascinating record of luxury private transportation in 18th-century france. The elaborate rococo ornament contrasts beautifully with the precise engineering drawings, demonstrating the combination of decorative craftsmanship and mechanical sophistication required by the french coachbuilding trade during the age of enlightenment. Artist / draftsman: jacques-raymond lucotte engraver: robert bénard (1734–1777) publication: encyclopédie – recueil de planches sur les sciences, les arts libéraux et les arts méchaniques section: sellier-carrossier plates: xiii, xv and xiv date: 1771 origin: france medium: original copper engravings on paper subject: post chaises, cabriolet, horse-drawn carriages and coachbuilding style / period: louis xv / rococo / french enlightenment number of prints: 3 condition: good antique condition with overall age-related toning, scattered foxing, spotting and staining. The sheets show original fold lines, creasing, handling marks and some wear and small irregularities along the margins and edges. Localized discoloration and staining are visible, consistent with original engravings more than 250 years old. The engraved images remain strong and highly detailed. Please study the photographs carefully as they form part of the condition . Frame / presentation: sold as a set of three, unframed. Framed images, compilations and interior views, if shown, are for presentation and inspiration only. See less