Curiosités de Paris

This is volume one of a three volume first edition series written and illustrated by Georges-Louis Le Rouge that describe monuments, buildings, and other ‘curiosities’ in and around Paris, Versailles, Marly, Vincennes, and Saint Cloud. They were published in 1771. This volume has 19 exquisite drawings prefacing different chapters. The combined written and visual portrayals provide a wealth of cultural information and help the reader reconstruct the architectural designs of the time. These books are particularly interesting because Le Rouge, the author, was a famous French cartographer, engraver, and architect who worked as a military and civil engineer for King Louis XV and Louis XVI. Le Rouge offers educated descriptions influenced by his wealth and position, making the combined work important to understanding aristocratic perspectives regarding various designs in 18th century France.