First edition of the first biography and catalogue of the work of the Lorraine artist Sebastien Le Clerc (1637-1714). Le Clerc was a draftsman, engraver and military engineer, born in Metz. He published numerous books on geometry and perspective, as well as on architecture. He had a great eye for composition, and is still considered one of France's best engravers because of it. He initially worked as an engineer, but his artistic talents were soon recognised by Charles le Brun (1619-1690), a painter who worked directly for King Louis XIV and painted several murals in Versailles. Le Brun advised him to abandon his engineering work and devote himself exclusively to engraving and drawing, which he did very successfully. He was sought after by publishers and his engravings were already collected in his own time. The present work was published shortly after his death. The portrait of Le Clerc, especially made for this work, is often lacking, but has here been added as a frontispiece at a later date.
The edges and corners of the boards are scuffed, the boards are slightly scratched, the joints are somewhat weakened, but the structural integrity of the binding is still intact. The frontispiece is likely taken from another work and has been mounted on the blank page before the title page, the work is slightly browned throughout, but otherwise internally clean, a contemporary correction with annotation in the margin on page 18. Overall in good condition. Catalogue du Fonds Lorrain, Nancy, 4339; Colon 17957; Quérard X, p. 27; WorldCat 1044587864; cf. not in Cicognara.