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Wetstein et al., Amsteldam, 1714.
An exceptionally fresh copy of Le Brun’s account of his trans-Asia expedition, noteworthy in particular for its superb engraved plates, many double page, a number of them folding.
Le Bruyn, a Dutch painter, had previously made a lengthy tour to the Levant. In 1701, at the age of fifty, he undertook an extensive journey to Persia and India via Moscow, arriving in Persia in 1703. His work contains many observations on the cities, customs, flora, fauna and antiquities that he encountered, as well as the ruins of Persepolis. The observations also cover provincial Russian cities such as Arkhangelsk, Voronezh, Samara and Saratov, Armenian customs, and Islamic inscriptions, architecture and customs.
The work also includes fold-out panoramas of Moscow (on three folding sheets), Ispahan (on three folding sheets), and Persepolis (on four folding sheets).
Folio (35 x 22 cm). Title, , 472,  pp. index and instructions to binder, with engraved allegorical title after B. Picart, engraved portrait plate, 11 folding, 55 double-page and 40 full-page engraved plates with 260 numbered subjects and 36 engravings in text; neat marginal repair to portrait. Early twentieth century half morocco over marbled boards, flat spine ruled and lettered in gilt; rubbed, upper spine slightly chipped.
Provenance: Tony van Renterghem (ex-libris to upper cover).
Cf. Lipperheide 546 for the 1711 first Dutch edition.